1098 shows $0 in tuition paid but we paid $847. Classes were dropped just before the end of the semester. Is that why the 1098 is blank? Can we still claim the expense?

 Q. Is that why the 1098 is blank? Can we still claim the expense?

A.  Yes

The 1098-T is only an informational document. The numbers on it are not required to be entered onto your tax return.  You claim the tuition credit, or report scholarship income, based on your own financial records, not the 1098-T. In the 1098-T screen, click on the link "What if this is not what I paid the school" underneath box 1. You will then be able to enter the actual amounts paid. 

If you claim the tuition credit, you do need to report that you got one or that you qualify for an exception (the TurboTax interview will handle this)