Stresses the importance of common understandings of cost definitions and data collection in order to create reliable databases with optimal utility for inter-institutional analysis. Examines definitions of common expenditure categories, discusses cost-accumulation rules governing financial reporting, and explains differences between direct costs…

The purpose of this guidebook is to reflect the changes that have occurred since 1973 in governmental accounting and education finance. This document serves as a vehicle for program cost accounting at the local and intermediate levels. Although not required by federal law, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) encourages state and…