Students and the parents of students might qualify for the refundable American Opportunity Tax Credit, an expanded version of the Hope Credit, which allows a credit for 100% of the first $2,000 spent on tuition, fees, and course materials and 25% of the next $2,000. The credit only applies to the first four years of post-secondary education. The nonrefundable Lifetime Learning Credit, on the other hand, offers a maximum credit of $2,000 for expenses toward all years of postsecondary education or courses to improve job skills.