Alabama Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources

Alabama serves approximately 377,000 veterans - about 7.6% of the state's population. Whether you're transitioning to civilian life or already living in Alabama, you need to know what healthcare facilities, education benefits, and job opportunities are available.

This guide provides actual addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for Alabama veterans.

Bottom Line Up Front

Healthcare: Alabama has 2 VA medical centers, 6+ community-based clinics, and 5 state veterans homes

Education: Free tuition for dependents of disabled veterans, Yellow Ribbon schools, and strong GI Bill support at major universities

Employment: State hiring preference, major defense contractors (Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman), and veteran-focused job programs

Veteran Population Hotspots: Jefferson County (42,000+), Madison County (33,000+), Mobile County (30,000+)

VA Healthcare Facilities in Alabama

VA Medical Centers

1. Birmingham VA Medical Center

Address: 700 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233 Phone: (205) 933-8101 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department

Bed count: 313 beds (acute tertiary care)

Services:

Primary care
Mental health services
Surgery (general, orthopedic, thoracic)
Cardiology
Oncology
Neurology
Spinal cord injury center
Polytrauma care
Women's health
Prosthetics
Pharmacy

Specialty programs:

PTSD treatment
Substance abuse treatment
Homeless veteran services
Blind rehabilitation

Parking: Available on-site

2. Central Alabama VA Medical Center - Montgomery (West Campus)

Address: 215 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36109 Phone: (334) 272-4670 Main line: 1-800-214-8387

Services:

Primary care
Mental health
Audiology
Optometry
Physical therapy
Pharmacy
Laboratory services
Imaging

3. Central Alabama VA Medical Center - Tuskegee (East Campus)

Address: Tuskegee, AL (serves 43-county area in central Alabama) Phone: (334) 272-4670

The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) operates both Montgomery and Tuskegee campuses, serving veterans across 43 counties in central Alabama.

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)

Dothan VA Clinic

Address: 3753 Ross Clark Circle, Suite 4, Dothan, AL 36303 Phone: (334) 678-1933

Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth

Counties served: Houston, Dale, Coffee, Geneva, Henry, and surrounding areas

Anniston/Oxford VA Clinic

Address: 96 Ali Way, Creekside South, Oxford, AL 36203 Phone: (256) 832-4141

Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory

Counties served: Calhoun, Cleburne, Cherokee, Clay, Coosa, Randolph, Talladega

Florence VA Clinic (Sheffield)

Address: 422 Cox Boulevard, Sheffield, AL 35660 Phone: (256) 381-9055

Services: Primary care, mental health

Counties served: Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence (also serves parts of northern Alabama)

Columbus, Georgia VA Clinic

Serves southeastern Alabama veterans Address: Columbus, GA (contact Central Alabama VA for details)

Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)

Vet Centers provide counseling for combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and bereaved family members.

Birmingham Vet Center Address: 1500 5th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205 Phone: (205) 212-3122

Mobile Vet Center Address: 3221 Springhill Avenue, Suite 111, Mobile, AL 36607 Phone: (251) 478-5906

Montgomery Vet Center Address: 4405 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36109 Phone: (334) 273-7796

Services: PTSD counseling, substance abuse counseling, employment counseling, family counseling, bereavement counseling

Wait Times and Quality Ratings

Birmingham VA Medical Center: Rated above average for most specialty care services

Central Alabama VA: Average wait times of 7-14 days for primary care appointments (varies by location and specialty)

Best practice: Enroll in VA healthcare as soon as you separate from active duty, even if you don't plan to use it immediately. This locks in your eligibility and priority group.

How to Enroll in VA Healthcare

Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Visit any VA medical center or CBOC with your DD-214

Documents needed:

DD-214 (discharge paperwork)
Social Security card
Insurance information (if you have other coverage)

State Veterans Homes (Nursing Care)

Alabama operates five state veterans homes providing skilled nursing and memory care:

1. Bill Nichols State Veterans Home

Location: Alexander City, AL Services: Skilled nursing, memory care

2. William F. Green State Veterans Home

Location: Bay Minette, AL Phone: (251) 937-8049 Services: Skilled nursing, long-term care

3. Floyd E. "Tut" Fann State Veterans Home

Location: Huntsville, AL Phone: (256) 851-2807 Beds: 150 Services: Skilled nursing, memory care

This is Alabama's largest state veterans home, located near Redstone Arsenal.

4. Col. Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home

Location: Pell City, AL Services: Skilled nursing

5. Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home

Services: Skilled nursing, long-term care

Eligibility: Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received other than dishonorable discharge. Some homes also accept spouses.

Cost: Sliding scale based on income. VA aid and attendance benefits can help cover costs.

How to apply: Contact the facility directly or download applications at va.alabama.gov

Education Benefits for Alabama Veterans

Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program

This is Alabama's marquee education benefit - completely free tuition for dependents of disabled veterans.

Eligibility:

Children and stepchildren of veterans rated 100% Permanent & Total
Spouses or unremarried widow(er)s of 100% P&T veterans
Children/spouses of veterans who died on active duty or from service-connected disabilities
Children/spouses of former POWs

Benefit amount:

Five standard academic years (10 semesters or equivalent)
Tuition covered up to Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Cap (currently $250 per semester hour)
Textbooks and fees up to $1,000 per year

Qualifying schools: All Alabama public universities and colleges, including:

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Huntsville)
Auburn University
Troy University
Alabama State University
University of South Alabama
Jacksonville State University
University of North Alabama
All community colleges

Important: Other scholarships and grants must be applied first. The G.I. Dependent Scholarship covers remaining costs up to the cap.

How to apply:

Submit VA rating documentation showing 100% P&T
Apply through your chosen school's financial aid office
Complete Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship application
Download forms at va.alabama.gov/dependents-scholarship

Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program (ANGEAP)

Eligibility: Active Alabama National Guard members

Benefit: $6,017.50 per semester (or $4,011.67 per quarter)

Use: Tuition and fees not covered by VA education benefits

Applies to: Alabama state-supported schools only

Purple Heart Tuition Waiver

Eligibility: Purple Heart recipients

Benefit: Tuition waiver for up to 125% of required credit hours for degree/certificate programs

Usage rules: Apply this benefit after using GI Bill and other VA benefits (except benefits that are partially self-funded like Montgomery GI Bill or Post-9/11 GI Bill)

Schools: Alabama public institutions

Post-9/11 GI Bill - Yellow Ribbon Schools

Several Alabama schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, covering 100% of out-of-state tuition for qualifying veterans:

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)

Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots, unlimited contribution Result: Full out-of-state tuition and fees covered for eligible veterans BAH rate: ~$1,300/month (varies annually) Veteran enrollment: 1,000+ student veterans

Contact: Office of Veteran and Military Affairs Phone: (205) 348-5906 Website: vets.sa.ua.edu

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots for graduate and undergraduate Benefit: Full out-of-state tuition coverage BAH rate: ~$1,300/month Veteran enrollment: 1,200+ student veterans

Contact: Veterans Services Phone: (205) 934-8243 Website: uab.edu/students/veterans

Auburn University

Yellow Ribbon: 100 slots per year Benefit: Full out-of-state tuition coverage for selected students BAH rate: ~$1,200/month Veteran enrollment: 1,500+ student veterans

Contact: Veterans Resource Center Phone: (334) 844-4145 Website: auburn.edu/veteran

Auburn University at Montgomery

Yellow Ribbon: Up to 10,000 students, unlimited contribution Benefit: Out-of-state tuition coverage

Contact: Office of Veteran and Military Affairs

In-State Tuition for Veterans

Veterans using GI Bill benefits qualify for in-state tuition at Alabama public schools under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA), regardless of residency status.

Eligibility:

Using Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill
Living in Alabama while attending school
Enrolling within 3 years of discharge

This removes a major barrier for veterans relocating to Alabama for school.

Top GI Bill Schools in Alabama (by Veteran Enrollment)

Auburn University - 1,500+ student veterans
University of Alabama at Birmingham - 1,200+
University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa) - 1,000+
Troy University - 800+
University of South Alabama - 700+
Alabama State University - 500+
Jacksonville State University - 450+
University of North Alabama - 400+
University of Montevallo - 300+
Tuskegee University - 250+

Employment Resources for Alabama Veterans

State Hiring Preference

Alabama law gives hiring preference to qualified veterans for state government jobs.

Who qualifies:

Honorably discharged veterans
Eligible spouses of veterans

How it works: If you meet the minimum qualifications for a state job, your veteran status gives you priority consideration over non-veteran applicants with similar qualifications.

Where to apply: Alabama Personnel Department

Alabama Department of Labor - Veterans Services

Phone: (334) 242-8003 Services:

Job search assistance
Resume writing
Interview preparation
Referrals to veteran-friendly employers
Apprenticeship programs
On-the-job training programs

Local offices: Available in every major Alabama city

Major Employers Hiring Veterans

Defense Contractors (Huntsville/Redstone Arsenal Area)

Boeing Primary location: Huntsville Veteran programs: SkillBridge partnership, Veteran Talent Community Typical roles: Engineering, program management, manufacturing Website: jobs.boeing.com

Lockheed Martin Primary location: Huntsville, Courtland Programs: Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), missile defense systems Veteran programs: Active veteran recruiting, SkillBridge Typical roles: Systems engineering, software development, program management Website: lockheedmartinjobs.com

Northrop Grumman Primary location: Huntsville Programs: Missile defense, space systems Typical roles: Engineering, cybersecurity, manufacturing

Raytheon Technologies Primary location: Huntsville, multiple sites Typical roles: Engineering, project management

Dynetics (Leidos subsidiary) Primary location: Huntsville Typical roles: Engineering, research, technical services

SAIC Primary location: Huntsville Typical roles: IT, cybersecurity, intelligence analysis

Other Major Veteran-Friendly Employers

Amazon Locations: Bessemer, Mobile, Montgomery Veteran programs: Military spouse career connection, Amazon Warriors (veteran employee group) Typical roles: Logistics, operations, management

Blue Origin Location: Huntsville Typical roles: Aerospace engineering, manufacturing, operations

Toyota/Mazda Manufacturing Location: Huntsville Typical roles: Production, quality control, management

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Location: Tuscaloosa County Typical roles: Manufacturing, engineering, skilled trades

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Location: Montgomery Typical roles: Production, maintenance, quality

Airbus Location: Mobile Typical roles: Aircraft manufacturing, engineering

Austal USA Location: Mobile Typical roles: Shipbuilding, welding, engineering

ThyssenKrupp Location: Mobile, Calvert Typical roles: Manufacturing, skilled trades

Honda Manufacturing of Alabama Location: Lincoln Typical roles: Production, maintenance, management

Polaris Industries Location: Huntsville Typical roles: Manufacturing, engineering

Healthcare Employers

UAB Health System - Birmingham Huntsville Hospital System - Huntsville Mobile Infirmary Health - Mobile Baptist Health System - Montgomery and Birmingham

Many healthcare systems offer veteran hiring programs and value military medical training.

Government Contractors and IT

CACI Parsons Corporation Leidos General Dynamics IT Booz Allen Hamilton

Apprenticeship Programs

Alabama Registered Apprenticeship programs offer paid on-the-job training in skilled trades:

Electrical work
HVAC
Plumbing
Welding
Industrial maintenance
Automotive technology
Information technology

GI Bill can often be used for apprenticeships, providing monthly housing allowance on top of apprenticeship wages.

Contact: Alabama Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship Phone: (334) 242-8003

Veteran Unemployment Benefits

Veterans may qualify for extended unemployment benefits in Alabama if they're unemployed due to service-connected disabilities.

Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX): Available if you separated from active duty in the last 18 months.

Contact: Alabama Department of Labor Phone: 1-866-234-5382

Support Services

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

VSOs provide free assistance with VA claims, appeals, and benefits navigation.

Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Headquarters: 770 Washington Avenue, RSA Plaza, Suite 470, Montgomery, AL 36104 Phone: (334) 242-5077 Website: va.alabama.gov

Services: VA claims assistance, benefits counseling, state benefits information

County Veterans Service Officers: Available in every Alabama county. Find yours at va.alabama.gov

American Legion - Chapters throughout Alabama Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - Posts statewide Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - Chapters in major cities Vietnam Veterans of America - Multiple chapters

Homeless Veteran Programs

VA Homeless Programs Hotline: 1-877-424-3838

Grant and Per Diem Program: Transitional housing in Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile

HUD-VASH: Housing vouchers paired with VA case management

Stand Down Events: Annual events in Birmingham and Mobile providing services, clothing, medical care

Mental Health Resources

Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7) Text: 838255 Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net

Birmingham VA Mental Health Services: (205) 933-8101 Central Alabama VA Mental Health: (334) 272-4670

Vet Centers (listed earlier) provide free counseling for:

PTSD
Depression
Military sexual trauma
Readjustment issues
Substance abuse

Legal Assistance

Alabama State Bar Veterans Assistance Project Free legal services for veterans with discharge upgrades, benefits appeals, and other legal issues Phone: Contact your county bar association

Volunteer Lawyers Program Free legal help in civil matters for low-income veterans

County and Regional Veteran Resources

Jefferson County (Birmingham Metro)

Veteran population: 42,000+
VA Medical Center: Birmingham VAMC (largest in state)
Vet Center: Birmingham
State Veterans Home: None in county (closest: Pell City)
Major employers: UAB Health, VA, Boeing, Lockheed Martin

County Veterans Service Office Phone: (205) 325-5221

Madison County (Huntsville Metro)

Veteran population: 33,000+ (12.4% of adult population)
VA Clinic: None directly in county (closest: Florence, Birmingham)
State Veterans Home: Floyd E. "Tut" Fann State Veterans Home
Vet Center: None (nearest: Birmingham, Murfreesboro TN)
Major employers: Redstone Arsenal, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Blue Origin, Dynetics

County Veterans Service Office Phone: (256) 532-3370

Mobile County (Mobile Metro)

Veteran population: 30,000+
VA Clinic: None directly (served by Central Alabama system)
Vet Center: Mobile
State Veterans Home: William F. Green State Veterans Home (Bay Minette)
Major employers: Airbus, Austal USA, ThyssenKrupp, Port of Mobile

County Veterans Service Office Phone: (251) 574-4622

Montgomery County (Montgomery Metro)

Veteran population: Significant (10.9% of adults)
VA Medical Center: Central Alabama VA - Montgomery Campus
Vet Center: Montgomery
State Veterans Home: None in county
Major employers: Maxwell Air Force Base, Hyundai, state government

County Veterans Service Office Phone: (334) 832-1305

Key Takeaways

Enroll in VA healthcare immediately - Even if you have other insurance, enrollment locks in your eligibility
Use the G.I. Dependent Scholarship - If you're 100% disabled, your kids get free college
Leverage state hiring preference - Apply for state jobs if you're qualified
Target defense contractors in Huntsville - Highest concentration of veteran-friendly employers
Connect with your county VSO - They'll help you claim every benefit you've earned

Alabama's veteran support infrastructure is solid, particularly in healthcare and education. The state genuinely supports its veteran population with tangible benefits.

Additional Resources

Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs: (334) 242-5077 | va.alabama.gov
VA Central Alabama: (334) 272-4670 | va.gov/central-alabama-health-care
VA Birmingham: (205) 933-8101 | va.gov/birmingham-health-care
Alabama Works (Job Search): joblink.alabama.gov
GI Bill School Search: benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison

Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly to verify hours, services, and eligibility requirements.

Alabama Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources

This guide provides actual addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for Alabama veterans.

Bottom Line Up Front

Healthcare: Alabama has 2 VA medical centers, 6+ community-based clinics, and 5 state veterans homes

Education: Free tuition for dependents of disabled veterans, Yellow Ribbon schools, and strong GI Bill support at major universities

Employment: State hiring preference, major defense contractors (Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman), and veteran-focused job programs

Veteran Population Hotspots: Jefferson County (42,000+), Madison County (33,000+), Mobile County (30,000+)

VA Healthcare Facilities in Alabama

VA Medical Centers

1. Birmingham VA Medical Center

Address: 700 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233 Phone: (205) 933-8101 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department

Bed count: 313 beds (acute tertiary care)

Services:

Primary care
Mental health services
Surgery (general, orthopedic, thoracic)
Cardiology
Oncology
Neurology
Spinal cord injury center
Polytrauma care
Women's health
Prosthetics
Pharmacy

Specialty programs:

PTSD treatment
Substance abuse treatment
Homeless veteran services
Blind rehabilitation

Parking: Available on-site

2. Central Alabama VA Medical Center - Montgomery (West Campus)

Address: 215 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36109 Phone: (334) 272-4670 Main line: 1-800-214-8387

Services:

Primary care
Mental health
Audiology
Optometry
Physical therapy
Pharmacy
Laboratory services
Imaging

3. Central Alabama VA Medical Center - Tuskegee (East Campus)

Address: Tuskegee, AL (serves 43-county area in central Alabama) Phone: (334) 272-4670

The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) operates both Montgomery and Tuskegee campuses, serving veterans across 43 counties in central Alabama.

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)

Dothan VA Clinic

Address: 3753 Ross Clark Circle, Suite 4, Dothan, AL 36303 Phone: (334) 678-1933

Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth

Counties served: Houston, Dale, Coffee, Geneva, Henry, and surrounding areas

Anniston/Oxford VA Clinic

Address: 96 Ali Way, Creekside South, Oxford, AL 36203 Phone: (256) 832-4141

Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory

Counties served: Calhoun, Cleburne, Cherokee, Clay, Coosa, Randolph, Talladega

Florence VA Clinic (Sheffield)

Address: 422 Cox Boulevard, Sheffield, AL 35660 Phone: (256) 381-9055

Services: Primary care, mental health

Counties served: Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence (also serves parts of northern Alabama)

Columbus, Georgia VA Clinic

Serves southeastern Alabama veterans Address: Columbus, GA (contact Central Alabama VA for details)

Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)

Vet Centers provide counseling for combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and bereaved family members.

Birmingham Vet Center Address: 1500 5th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205 Phone: (205) 212-3122

Mobile Vet Center Address: 3221 Springhill Avenue, Suite 111, Mobile, AL 36607 Phone: (251) 478-5906

Montgomery Vet Center Address: 4405 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36109 Phone: (334) 273-7796

Services: PTSD counseling, substance abuse counseling, employment counseling, family counseling, bereavement counseling

Wait Times and Quality Ratings

Birmingham VA Medical Center: Rated above average for most specialty care services

Central Alabama VA: Average wait times of 7-14 days for primary care appointments (varies by location and specialty)

Best practice: Enroll in VA healthcare as soon as you separate from active duty, even if you don't plan to use it immediately. This locks in your eligibility and priority group.

How to Enroll in VA Healthcare

Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Visit any VA medical center or CBOC with your DD-214

Documents needed:

DD-214 (discharge paperwork)
Social Security card
Insurance information (if you have other coverage)

State Veterans Homes (Nursing Care)

Alabama operates five state veterans homes providing skilled nursing and memory care:

1. Bill Nichols State Veterans Home

Location: Alexander City, AL Services: Skilled nursing, memory care

2. William F. Green State Veterans Home

Location: Bay Minette, AL Phone: (251) 937-8049 Services: Skilled nursing, long-term care

3. Floyd E. "Tut" Fann State Veterans Home

Location: Huntsville, AL Phone: (256) 851-2807 Beds: 150 Services: Skilled nursing, memory care

This is Alabama's largest state veterans home, located near Redstone Arsenal.

4. Col. Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home

Location: Pell City, AL Services: Skilled nursing

5. Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home

Services: Skilled nursing, long-term care

Eligibility: Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received other than dishonorable discharge. Some homes also accept spouses.

Cost: Sliding scale based on income. VA aid and attendance benefits can help cover costs.

How to apply: Contact the facility directly or download applications at va.alabama.gov

Education Benefits for Alabama Veterans

Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program

This is Alabama's marquee education benefit - completely free tuition for dependents of disabled veterans.

Eligibility:

Children and stepchildren of veterans rated 100% Permanent & Total
Spouses or unremarried widow(er)s of 100% P&T veterans
Children/spouses of veterans who died on active duty or from service-connected disabilities
Children/spouses of former POWs

Benefit amount:

Five standard academic years (10 semesters or equivalent)
Tuition covered up to Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Cap (currently $250 per semester hour)
Textbooks and fees up to $1,000 per year

Qualifying schools: All Alabama public universities and colleges, including:

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Huntsville)
Auburn University
Troy University
Alabama State University
University of South Alabama
Jacksonville State University
University of North Alabama
All community colleges

Important: Other scholarships and grants must be applied first. The G.I. Dependent Scholarship covers remaining costs up to the cap.

How to apply:

Submit VA rating documentation showing 100% P&T
Apply through your chosen school's financial aid office
Complete Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship application
Download forms at va.alabama.gov/dependents-scholarship

Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program (ANGEAP)

Eligibility: Active Alabama National Guard members

Benefit: $6,017.50 per semester (or $4,011.67 per quarter)

Use: Tuition and fees not covered by VA education benefits

Applies to: Alabama state-supported schools only

Purple Heart Tuition Waiver

Eligibility: Purple Heart recipients

Benefit: Tuition waiver for up to 125% of required credit hours for degree/certificate programs

Usage rules: Apply this benefit after using GI Bill and other VA benefits (except benefits that are partially self-funded like Montgomery GI Bill or Post-9/11 GI Bill)

Schools: Alabama public institutions

Post-9/11 GI Bill - Yellow Ribbon Schools

Several Alabama schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, covering 100% of out-of-state tuition for qualifying veterans:

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)

Contact: Office of Veteran and Military Affairs Phone: (205) 348-5906 Website: vets.sa.ua.edu

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots for graduate and undergraduate Benefit: Full out-of-state tuition coverage BAH rate: ~$1,300/month Veteran enrollment: 1,200+ student veterans

Contact: Veterans Services Phone: (205) 934-8243 Website: uab.edu/students/veterans

Auburn University

Yellow Ribbon: 100 slots per year Benefit: Full out-of-state tuition coverage for selected students BAH rate: ~$1,200/month Veteran enrollment: 1,500+ student veterans

Contact: Veterans Resource Center Phone: (334) 844-4145 Website: auburn.edu/veteran

Auburn University at Montgomery

Yellow Ribbon: Up to 10,000 students, unlimited contribution Benefit: Out-of-state tuition coverage

Contact: Office of Veteran and Military Affairs

In-State Tuition for Veterans

Veterans using GI Bill benefits qualify for in-state tuition at Alabama public schools under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA), regardless of residency status.

Eligibility:

Using Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill
Living in Alabama while attending school
Enrolling within 3 years of discharge

This removes a major barrier for veterans relocating to Alabama for school.

Top GI Bill Schools in Alabama (by Veteran Enrollment)

Auburn University - 1,500+ student veterans
University of Alabama at Birmingham - 1,200+
University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa) - 1,000+
Troy University - 800+
University of South Alabama - 700+
Alabama State University - 500+
Jacksonville State University - 450+
University of North Alabama - 400+
University of Montevallo - 300+
Tuskegee University - 250+

Employment Resources for Alabama Veterans

State Hiring Preference

Alabama law gives hiring preference to qualified veterans for state government jobs.

Who qualifies:

Honorably discharged veterans
Eligible spouses of veterans

How it works: If you meet the minimum qualifications for a state job, your veteran status gives you priority consideration over non-veteran applicants with similar qualifications.

Where to apply: Alabama Personnel Department

Alabama Department of Labor - Veterans Services

Phone: (334) 242-8003 Services:

Job search assistance
Resume writing
Interview preparation
Referrals to veteran-friendly employers
Apprenticeship programs
On-the-job training programs