From Radio School to “Forever” Benefits: The Legacy of the GI Bill®

From Radio School to "Forever" Benefits: The Legacy of the GI Bill™

Donald Grantham founded the Grantham Radio License School in 1951 in the shadow of World War II as America and Americans were adjusting to post-war life. As a veteran himself, Grantham wanted to help his fellow service members acquire the valuable skills they would need to thrive in this new era. With the popularity of the GI Bill™, Grantham saw his opportunity to put his plan into action.

A Brief History of Evolution

The GI Bill™ has never been a static benefit; it has evolved alongside the needs of the military community. It began with the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, which provided the original framework for WWII veterans to attend colleges or trade schools.

While that original act ended in 1956, several iterations followed to support those who served in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War. Every program, regardless of its specific era, became colloquially and affectionately known as the "GI Bill™".

Over the decades, the program shifted from the contributory models of the 1980s—which required service members to pay into the system—to the significantly more generous Post-9/11 GI Bill™ of 2008. This modern version introduced:

• Market-based housing allowances, which provide students a monthly housing stipend during the school year equivalent to the military E-5 with dependents pay rate for the ZIP code of the university/college they are attending.
• The ability to transfer benefits to dependents.
• The "Forever GI Bill," which recently eliminated expiration dates entirely, ensuring education remains a lifelong entitlement.

Adapting to a Changing Student Body

The landscape of education at UA Grantham has shifted over time. A decade ago, more than half of our student population consisted of active duty, reserve, and veteran members, with the vast majority utilizing GI Bill™ funding.

While that number saw a decline to roughly 10% of students using these specific benefits by 2024, our core mission has remained unchanged. Michelle Metcalf, Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Financial Services, notes that our "enduring vision" is to provide quality, accessible, and affordable programs.

“Our veteran and active duty students who use their benefits... are able to attain their educational goals... typically without them having to spend any money out of their own pocket. Not many students who graduate with a BA or MA from an accredited online institution in today's world can say that,” Metcalf said.

The Real Impact: A Student Perspective

For many, the GI Bill™ isn't just about tuition; it’s about removing the barriers to personal and professional growth. Gregory Eastwood, a UA Grantham alumnus and National Guard member, experienced this firsthand.

While Military Tuition Assistance and scholarships provided a foundation, Gregory credits the GI Bill™ with bridging the remaining financial gap.

Eastwood, who also works as a full-time Systems Engineer, said that balancing service and career progression would have been unrealistic without such support. While Military Tuition Assistance and the university’s Heroes Scholarship provided a base, he noted that the GI Bill™ ultimately bridged the financial gap to ensure there was no shortfall.

“That removed the financial barrier and allowed me to focus fully on performance and completion rather than cost,” Eastwood stated. The support enabled him to earn a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management Technology while remaining on active duty.

For Eastwood, the benefit’s greatest impact was the long-term stability it provided his family. “The GI Bill enables continued growth, professional development, and the ability to translate military experience into accredited credentials without taking on financial strain,” he said, noting that he was able to graduate with zero student debt.

A Lifelong Entitlement

Whether it was 1951 or 2024, the goal remains the same: ensuring that those who serve have a clear path to social mobility and professional success. The GI Bill™ isn't just a benefit; it is a permanent national commitment to the men and women who have worn the uniform.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at VA.gov | Veterans Affairs