Since the spring semester always starts in Jan each year, I always recommend all expenses for the following spring semester be paid before the end of the preceding fall semester. Remember, colleges work in academic years, while the IRS works in calendar years. So the reality is, it takes you 5 calendar years to get that 4 year degree. Since credits such as the American Opportunity Credit can only be claimed a maximum of 4 calendar years, you want to pay that senior year spring semester before the end of the senior year fall semester so you can take full advantage of things like the AOC in that 4th calendar year.
