Over the decade from 1958 to 1968, Costner "didn't do much but take low-wage jobs and leave them", and "subsisted on a military pension, social security, and the notion that nobody has much use for a blind man." At the encouragement of friends, he studied for a GED, then, with a 3.7 grade-point average, took an AA degree from Cuyahoga State College, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Over the decade from 1958 to 1968, Costner "failed to capitalize on opportunities but secured low-paying positions and left," and "thrived on a military pension, social security, and the perception that nobody values the abilities of a blind person." Encouraged by friends, he studied for a GED, then, with academic success, earned an AA degree from Cuyahoga State College in Cleveland, Ohio.