VALPARAISO | A lot of students get a summer job or a suntan before starting college.

Matt Campbell drove a convoy truck and did electrical repairs in Iraq.

The nontraditional student from Muncie is one of 10 veterans studying at Valparaiso University this year through the Yellow Ribbon program, an extension of the G.I. Bill.

So now Campbell, 30, is following up two Army tours in Iraq by pursing an engineering degree. In addition to his tuition being fully taken care of, Campbell receives a stipend for housing and books.

The Yellow Ribbon program offers veterans who have served on active duty for at least 36 months since Sept. 11, 2001, a grant equal to the in-state tuition at Indiana's highest-priced public institution.

An additional grant provided by VU's Patriot Award, combined with dollar-for-dollar matching funds from the Department of Veteran Affairs, covers the cost of VU's standard tuition and general fees.

During this first year of the program, VU's participants include five undergraduates, one graduate student and four law students.

Chesterton native and Navy veteran Richard Amburgey is studying for a graduate degree in criminology through the program.

Amburgey, 34, spent six years in the Navy as a master-at-arms providing security for high level officers -- "like the Secret Service for the military," he said.

After his service in Italy, the Middle East and along the U.S. Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katriana, he hopes the criminology degree will prepare him for a career with the U.S. Justice Department.

"It's an amazing program," the 1994 Chesterton High School graduate said.

"I was honored to serve my country. Now it's even a greater honor to represent my hometown to get this degree" and go onto further government service, Amburgey said.

Veterans interested in the Yellow Ribbon program or VU's Patriot Award can call (219) 464-5011 or (888) GO-VALPO.