Can you take education credits on 1040 as non resident alien if you paid cash for school?

Non-resident aliens are not eligible for educational credits. You could however deduct student loan interest for qualifying loans on your 1040NR

If you have F-1 visa, you are nonresident for 5 years. If you have J-1 visa, you ar nonresident for two years. File Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ with form 8843.