In addition to the restrictions listed here, there are a few other important conditions to note. You (or someone on your behalf) must have paid interest on a qualified student loan (federal or private). You must be legally obligated to pay this interest (i.e., someone who pays the interest but isn't legally required to, such as a family member or friend, cannot claim the deduction). Finally, you can't be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return to be eligible.