If your 1098-T includes room & board, the school made a mistake. So you should first verify that your understanding is correct. They should know better. So, it's more likely you're misunderstanding it.
Q. . Turbo Tax instructions say to only include tuition. Which number should I use?
A. You only use tuition and fees. Later you can enter books and computer expenses. You may not use room and board to claim a tuition credit or treat scholarships as being tax free.
You may use room & board as qualifying expenses for a 529 plan distribution.
