what s the difference between the american opportunity credit and the lifetime learning credit 
the american opportunity credit formerly the hope credit can be used for the first four years of undergraduate studies only the lifetime learning credit can be used for undergraduate and graduate studies plus some professional programs and trade schools may be eligible the american opportunity credit is worth up to 2 500 and if you have more than one student listed as a dependent you may claim multiple credits the lifetime learning credit can only be used once for up to 2 000 on an annual tax return 21