Can I get the refundable American Opportunity Credit if I'm younger than 24?

It may be difficult for an unmarried person under the age of 24 to qualify to claim the refundable part of the American Opportunity Credit.

If you're under age 24, you can't claim the refundable American Opportunity Credit if all three situations below apply to you:

1. You were:
   • Under age 18 at the end of 2025, or
   • Age 18 at the end of 2025 and your earned income was less than one-half of your support, or
   • Over age 18 and under age 24 at the end of 2025 and a full-time student for five months or more, and your earned income was less than one-half of your support.
2. At least one of your parents was alive at the end of 2025.
3. You're not filing a joint return with a spouse for 2025.

You may still claim the nonrefundable portion of the American Opportunity Credit even if you can't claim the refundable portion.