Can I get money back from paying college tuition? I have not taken out any loans or received grants or scholarships. I have paid it all in cash. Can I get anything back?

Maybe.  There are education credits.  If you have a tax liability, and cannot be claimed as a dependent, by someone else, that tax liability can be reduced by an education tax credit.

One of the credits has a refundable feature. That is, you can get up to $1000 back even if you do not have a tax liability.  That part of the credit is generally not available to students under 24 who do not support themselves by working.

Enter you educational info, in TurboTax (TT) and TT will determine if you qualify (do not enter if you are or can be claimed as a dependent). 

In TurboTax (TT), enter at:

Federal Taxes Tab (Personal for H&B version)

Deductions & Credits

-Scroll down to:

--Education

  --Education Expenses

More info on ed credits: 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/college-and-education/what-is-the-american-opportunity-tax-credit/L1Mzj4ybX

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/credits-and-deductions/help/who-is-eligible-to-take-the-american-opportunity-tax-credit/00/26845