I didnt have a student loan but I did pay almost $500 to a school I was attending in 2021. how do I enter that on Turbo tax??

maraluisaca23,

Education credits are generally available to out-of-pocket expenses for tuition and things like textbooks.  Student loan monies spent by a student are considered out-of-pocket expenses, but any money you have and spend fits the out-of-pocket category.  You can peruse IRS publication 970 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf

for many details.

Now the kicker:  the IRS generally insists the higher educational institution issue a 1098-T form before they will allow you to claim an educational tax credit.  If you didn't get one, you should follow the instructions on pages 2-3 of pub 970 to try to get one before you file your taxes.