The AOC is a partially refundable credit. The refundable portion is up to $1000 and it only takes $1000 of tuition to get that much. Only undergrads are eligible. Including the non refundable portion, the AOC can be a much as $2500. And it only takes $4000 of tuition and other qualified expenses to get that.
Assuming 2022 was your last year of undergrad work, the four time limit means you can go back and claim it for 2020 and 2021. It's the 3 year time limit that disqualifies you for 2019 or earlier. Because of your failure to file timely, you will be limited to claiming it 3 times.
Be advised, a full time unmarried student, under age 24, even if you don't qualify as a dependent, is only eligible for the refundable portion of the American Opportunity Credit if he supports himself by working. You cannot be supporting yourself on parental support, 529 plans or student loans & grants. It is usually best if the parent claims that credit.
