You can choose the lesser credit (the Lifetime Learning Credit [LLC]) for this year and save you 4 American Opportunity Credits (AOC) for later. The AOC can only be claimed 4 times (4 years). There is no limit on the times for LLC. The LLC is 20%. For $55 of expenses: 20% x $55 = $11.
Q. Do the 4 years have to be consecutive for the AOC credit?
A. No, but they have to all be for undergrad courses (there's an exception for students who start grad school the same year they get their undergrad degree).