If you cannot be claimed as a dependent on your parents' tax return they cannot use the education credits. Only the person who can claim the dependent can claim the education credit. If you can say on your own return that you cannot be claimed as someone else's dependent then the education credit can go on your return. You have not explained why they cannot claim you now. Are you no longer a student? Or did you turn 24 in 2021 and earn over $4300 in 2021?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/dependents/help/when-do-i-have-to-answer-yes-to-being-claimed-as-a...
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