I am a 21 yr. old full-time college student. I had no jobs/income in 2017 and my parents paid my college expenses. I have worked and filed returns for previous years. My parents claimed me as a dependent and took the American Opportunity Educational Credit (8863) on their return.
Do I need to, or should I file a return for 2017?

not really; however, you may need to file your 2017 return for your refund aslongas Federal Income Tax were withheld from your pay on your prior years . however, there is a statute of limitations for filing the claim for refund. A claim for refund must be filed within three years from the time the return was filed or two years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. your parents need to file 2017 return for AOC.so if your parents claim your as a dependent, they are entitled to deduct his qualified education expenses and receive the American Opportunity Credit,