The American Opportunity Credit (AOC), is available for qualified tuition and related expenses:

• The maximum amount of the AOC is $2,500 per student.
• In 2016 the credit is phased out if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is between $80,000 and $90,000 for single filers ($160,000 and $180,000, if you file a joint return). The phase out is the same in 2015.
• Generally, 40% of the AOC is now a refundable credit for most taxpayers, which means that you can receive up to $1,000 even if you owe no taxes
• The term 'qualified tuition and related expenses' includes expenditures for 'course materials'. For this purpose, the term 'course materials' means books, supplies, and equipment needed for a course of study whether or not the materials must be purchased from the educational institution as a condition of enrollment or attendance