Are you a dependent on parent's return? I am going to assume you are not. If you are that can be the reason you are not getting any of the credits.
There are a couple of things that could be going on.
If you have income of less than $7000 and no one else claims you on their return, your tax liability is $0.
The Lifetime learning credit is a non- refundable credit. Which means at your income level, if you have $0 taxable income, you would not get the credit because it is non-refundable.
The American Opportunity Credit can only be claimed for the first four years of college education. You can also only claim the credit 4 years.
This credit is refundable up to 40% of the credit. So for you, the AOC tentative credit would be $2250. at 40% refundable $900.00 refund. $900.00 is the maximum amount this credit could affect your taxes.
I am going to attach some more information. If you have any more information, get back to me.
IRS PUB 970
