It might be possible to do some online searching and establish with certainty that your school meets the “eligible to participate in a student aid program administered by the U.S. Department of Education” requirement (see here). That seems to be the main thing we’re missing at this point in order to take an American Opportunity Credit with complete confidence.
Note that the IRS says in that link that virtually all accredited postsecondary institutions meet this test, but the Paul Mitchell site also allows that financial aid programs can vary among its schools. A 1098 would increase our comfort level with this, but as as Hal_Al noted, that may still be on the way (but we’re also wondering if you can just go online and get it?).
If you end up not receiving or accessing that form, and are otherwise confident (with additional research about the school, or possibly because you have classmates whom you know are receiving Pell Grants…), you can certainly take the credit without a 1098 (as Hal_Al also said, and as discussed here). Saving every piece of documentation (statements from the school, credit card bills, book receipts…) would be very important in that case, as the IRS loves to check on these credits after the tax season dust settles…
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