You're not going to see $2500, on form 1040, being added to your refund. The American opportunity credit (AOC) consists of two pieces. One is found on line 20 of form 1040 (via Form 8863 and Schedule 3) and the 2nd on line 29 of form 1040. Line 29 is the refundable portion and is usually $1000. Line 20 can be anywhere from 0 to $1500. Note line 20 may include other credits, not just the non refundable AOC, see Schedule 3 for details.
