A study examined the relative effectiveness of three alternative delivery systems for secondary vocational education--vocational high schools, comprehensive high schools, and area vocational centers. It also ascertained how well secondary vocational education is serving women, minority groups, handicapped individuals, economically disadvantaged persons, and persons with limited English proficiency. Data were from the High School and Beyond National Longitudinal Survey. Among vocational majors, men were relatively more numerous in vocational high schools and area vocational centers. Vocational high schools enrolled relatively more blacks and low-ability and low socioeconomic status (SES) students than did the other two types of schools. The trade and industry specialty was the most popular in vocational high schools and area vocational centers, the business specialty in comprehensive high schools. Although women were predominantly enrolled in business, the majority of women attending vocational high schools specialized in trade and industry. The effect of delivery systems on earnings was negligible when compared with the effects of students' characteristics and environmental factors. The only significant findings of a delivery system effect on earnings was a negative one for area vocational centers compared to comprehensive high schools. Findings provided a basis for questioning the popular notion that area vocational centers produce a better payoff. (YLB)