Why am I not being credited with any education credits from form 1098T? I am an independent, and it says the tuition & fees deduction is the best option.

There's a new urban myth among college students that says they can get a $1000 from the government just for filing a tax form. For most of them, they simply aren't eligible. 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. You usually must have actually paid tuition, not had it paid by scholarships & grants.  It is usually best if the parent claims that credit. 

You cannot claim that credit if you are, or can be, claimed as a dependent by someone else.

That is the only refundable education credit.  If you have no tax liability to claim a tax credit  against, you credit is 0.  The Tuition and Fees deduction also (usually) lowers your state taxable income.