The study attempted to determine the feasibility of performing a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing the cooperative method to methods which do not use work experience in vocational training. Twelve school districts in Minnesota, North Carolina, and Ohio provided data for the study, involving the design of data collection instruments for cost and effectiveness information, descriptive information about programs and students, and an attitudinal survey instrument for employers of graduates. The conclusions are: it is possible to collect and analyze cost and effectiveness information on vocational education programs; there are no clear-cut cost advantages or disadvantages between the two methods; a large-scale study is needed to assist in policy formulation for vocational education. The survey employers indicated they favor graduates of cooperative programs. (A six-item bibliography is appended.) (Author/BP)