topic American Opportunity Credit and previous Foreign Bachellor in Education

American Opportunity Credit and previous Foreign Bachellor

Fernando Briones — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:18:13 GMT

Hi, Sorry if this was asked before, I looked in the Q&A but didn't found the right answer for this.

In Deduction & Credits Section in Education information, for the question:
"Had -the student- Earned Four Years of College Credit Before 2022?

Not sure what to answer, my wife did a bachelor in architecture back in our home country (Chile) in 2006 -2013, does that count as Years of college credits? or it's asking for previous education in US?

This is her first time studying here in US. (Academy of Art University in San Francisco) and I wonder if she qualify for American Opportunity Credit.

Thanks!

Re: American Opportunity Credit and previous Foreign Bachellor

Bsch4477 — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:11:41 GMT

Depends on if current college recognizes her degree. If so, she could claim Lifetime Learning Credit instead

Re: American Opportunity Credit and previous Foreign Bachellor

DaveF1006 — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:16:32 GMT

No. If your wife has already completed 4 years as an undergraduate, she would not be eligible for the AOC for a second degree regardless where she completed her education.

She does qualify for the lifetime learning credit however so don't give up claiming an educational credit for her.

Re: American Opportunity Credit and previous Foreign Bachellor

Fernando Briones — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:21:04 GMT

Thank you both for the quick and precise reply!

I figured we didn't qualify, though I wanted to be sure.

I will try with the lifetime learning credit!

Thanks Again! 😃