I can be claimed as a dependant, but I am not going to be claimed. I am 20 years old and in college. Why can't I receive the stimulus rebate or educational credits?

If you *can*  be claimed  the  you are not eligible for the stimulus.

Nothing requires a parent to claim a dependent, but if they CAN claim the dependent then the person cannot claim them-self - tax law does not allow that. That is why there are two questions "CAN you be claimed by another tax payer?, and WERE you claimed?

Yes to the first means you cannot claim yourself, no to the second might allow you to claim certain educational credits that usually only the person claiming you could claim.

The rule, in both cases, is not whether you are claimed as a dependent, it's whether you CAN be claimed.

In addition, a full time unmarried student, under age 24, even if you don't qualify as a dependent, is only eligible for the refundable portion of the American Opportunity Credit if he supports himself by working. You cannot be supporting yourself on parental support, 529 plans or student loans & grants. You usually must have actually paid tuition, not had it paid by scholarships & grants.  It is usually best if the parent claims that credit.