Can a qualified student loan interest paid be deducted even if taxpayer does not itemize deductions?:)

Yes. The student loan interest deduction is an adjustment to income that can be claimed on Page 1 of Form 1040 or 1040A.

Student Loan Interest Deduction is an adjustment to income, contributing to your final AGI. It does not have to do with itemizing. However, if your income exceeds 65k forget it - you won't get anything for it. :o

Yes, it is my turn for mea culpa!

I forgot the income limits as noted above. It's $130K if you are married and filing jointly!

Is that adjusted gross income?

Yes