The board of trustees of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind may, in its discretion, provide for the education and training of deaf, blind, visually handicapped, and otherwise severely handicapped persons who are nonresidents of the state; provided, however, that in any such case, the full cost of such education or training, to be ascertained and set by the board, shall be charged to such persons for such education or training.
Ala. Code § 21-1-14 (1975)