Q. Did I do something wrong, or something right?
A. It may be just that you got married. 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. It could also be that you were claimed as a dependent in the past.
Q. Can students of colleges that are not an "eligible institution" claim the AOTC?
A. No. If a school is unaccredited, it almost certainly not on the DOE's list of eligible institutions. If TT is giving you the credit, for such a school, you have answered something wrong in the interview.
