Each individual on the tax return is only eligible for one type of education credit or deduction. However everyone on the return who is a qualifying student in post secondary education may qualify for a credit or deduction. The American Opportunity Credit is the best one at this time and is for up to a possible credit of $2500 per student. The Lifetime Learning Credit is also available for each student but maxes out at $2000 per return. The Tuition and Fees deduction is worth between up to $2000-$4000 per return as well. But the is a deduction from income and it a direct credit against taxes.