As some U.S. veterans struggle with the logistics of paying for school with the GI Bill, The University of Alabama is offers a safe haven by guaranteeing to cover the tuition costs of in- and out-of-state veterans.

According to the Chapter 33 9/11 GI Bill, the U.S. government will cover the full, in-state cost of a public college or university for honorably discharged service men and women. Some veterans, however, are facing issues with residency laws, which is leading to the GI Bill not covering their full tuition, leaving veterans to pay for school themselves.

David Blair, The University of Alabama’s director of veteran and military affairs, said that UA veteran students will never have to worry about this problem.

“[The GI Bill issue] does not come into play with our students here at UA. The University has elected to be an unlimited Yellow Ribbon school,” Blair said.

As such, The University of Alabama provides veteran students with scholarships to cover the full cost of tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students, regardless of how much tuition the GI Bill covers.

“When a veteran, service member or dependent is eligible to receive the Post 9/11 GI Bill at the 100% rate then they are automatically eligible to receive the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship,” Blair said. “This comes into play when a student is in an Out-of-State Residency status. UA has agreed to be unlimited for this program, so if you meet the criteria, UA has agreed to pay for half of the out-of-state cost and the VA picks up the other half.”

Will Suclupe, a U.S. Army veteran and UA student, has been using the Chapter 33 9/11 GI Bill to pay for school since being released from active duty in 2009.

“Personally, I think it provides a great opportunity,” Suclupe said. “It’s allowed me the privilege to complete my undergraduate degree and now begin my graduate program.”

Suclupe said, in addition to paying the full cost of tuition at the University, the bill pays for some living expenses, such as housing.

“I’m on, like most veteran students, the Chapter 33 Post 9/11 G.I. Bill,” Suclupe said. “This benefit pays 100% in-state tuition and fees, provides a book stipend of $1,000.00 a year, provides a monthly basic allowance for housing, stipend at the pay rate of a Sergeant (E-5) with dependents, and other small allowances such as test fees and so forth.”

Blair said the University became an unlimited Yellow Ribbon school two years ago to show veterans appreciation and to set an example for other public schools across the country.

“The University decided to be unlimited in order to be “Veteran and Military Friendly”. This step is tremendous and has given many of our students an opportunity to come to UA where otherwise they would not have been able to afford the out-of-pocket costs,” Blair said. “UA stepped up to the plate and said, ‘We value these students and we want them here!’”

The University of Alabama takes pride in its treatment of service men and women, as well as their dependents, Blair said.

“I think it’s awesome, and with all the new programs and services we provide at UA, a student Veteran, Service Member, or Dependent can feel good about coming here and knowing that UA understands the sacrifices they have made,” Blair said. “It’s all about doing what is right. ‘Leading the Way-Making a Difference’ is our motto here at the VMA office.”