American Opportunity Tax Credit
The American Opportunity Tax Credit provides up to $2,500 per student per year for the first four years of higher education. It covers 100% of the first $2,000 and 25% of the next $2,000 in qualified education expenses.
Award Amount
$2,500
per year
Deadline
Tax filing deadline
application due
GPA Required
None
minimum
Field of Study
Any
eligible majors
Eligibility Checker
Enter your information below to check if you meet the basic eligibility criteria for the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
Requirements Checklist
Track your progress — check off requirements as you complete them.
0/4 completeApplication Tips
Up to 40% is refundable ($1,000)
Claim on Form 8863 with tax return
Covers tuition, fees, and course materials
Cannot also claim Lifetime Learning Credit for same student
Scholarship Value Calculator
Annual Value
$2,500
per year
4-Year Total Value
$10,000
if renewed each year
Loan Interest Saved
$3,500
at 6.5% over 10 years
Pro tip: Every dollar in scholarship funding saves roughly $1.35 compared to borrowing the same amount through student loans at 6.5% interest over a 10-year repayment period.
Eligibility Details
| Eligibility | Students in their first four years of higher education with modified AGI under $90,000 ($180,000 for joint filers) |
| Demographics | All students |
| Field of Study | Any |
| Type | federal |
| Renewable | Yes — renewable annually |
Frequently Asked Questions
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