CAP Project Resources
These resources were initially developed under the CAP Project grant (May 2020 - April 2023) and are currently maintained by EdResearcher.
Need help deciding what kind of economic evaluation to do? Watch this short video from the CAP Project Online Modules which narrates you through a decision flowchart to help you land on the best option for answering your research questions.
Getting Started with Cost Analysis
CAP Project Cost Analysis Standards and Guidelines 1.1
Practical guidelines for designing and executing cost analyses of educational programs.
CAP Project Infographic
An overview of what the CAP Project is, a visual summary of the steps in a cost analysis and links to a number of resources to get you started towards designing and conducting a cost analysis yourself.
Introduction to Cost Analysis Video
Dr. Rob Shand of the CAP Project provides an overview of cost analysis, why it is useful, and the different types of cost analysis. He uses an example of digital math tools to demonstrate the difference between expenditures and economic costs.
Cost Analysis FAQs
A compilation of responses to the most common cost analysis questions the CAP Project Help Desk has been asked.
Inside IES: CAP Project Blog Posts
Researchers at the CAP Project are guest writing a series of IES blog posts about the practical details of economic evaluation. Read the blogs here:
CASP Standards Rubric
The CASP Standards Rubric helps cost analysts and reviewers of journal manuscripts/grant proposals/study reports meet the Standards for the Economic Evaluation of Educational and Social Programs
2022 IES PI Meeting Resources
CAP Project delivered a presentation on cost analysis which included an overview of planning and troubleshooting cost analysis and a demo of one of our cost analysis templates, CAPCAT 1.2. Plus.
Cost Analysis for IES 84.324A Program
In August 2022, we offered a technical assistance session for applicants to the FY 2023 Special Education Research Grants Program specifically addressing how to meet cost analysis and CEA requirements in the RFA.
Planning your Cost Analysis
Cost Analysis Requirements: IES ‘24 RFAs
This chart summarizes CAP Project’s interpretation of what IES 2024 RFAs are requiring in terms of cost analysis and CEA.
Checklist for Cost Analysis Plans
Use this checklist to guide your cost analysis plans. It is designed to help users plan high quality cost analyses of educational programs/interventions.
Timeline for Cost Analysis and CEA
This timeline outlines all activities involved in executing cost and cost-effectiveness analysis concurrently with impact studies.
Collecting and Analyzing Cost Data
Template: Cost Analysis Interview
Adapt this template for interviewing program personnel to collect data on resources needed to implement a program.
Event Log for Cost Analysis
When collecting cost data for an implementation event, use this event log to ensure you collect all the necessary cost-relevant information.
Cost of Facilities Calculator
Use this Excel spreadsheet to estimate the cost of physical space (facilities) in your analysis.
Time Log for Cost Analysis
Customize this time log template for the personnel implementing the program you are studying so they can document their time use. Time = costs!
Cost Analysis Templates
CAP Project offers 3 semi-automated, Excel-based cost analysis templates in which you can enter your cost data and execute your analysis. Comparison chart and demos provided.
Travel Cost Calculator
This Excel template is set up to help you estimate the costs of travel, e.g., for site visits, conferences, and training sessions. Two examples are included.
Costs of School Internet Access
This document provides some useful school internet cost metrics you can use in your cost analyses.
Database of Prices
A database of 2,000+ national prices of educational resources: personnel, facilities, materials/equipment, and other inputs, plus fringe benefits rates.
Reporting and Using Cost Analysis Results
Reporting Readiness Checklist
Before you dive into reporting the results of your cost analysis, take a moment to run through the list of questions below to check whether you are ready and have considered the best ways to reach your target audience.
CE Plane
This graphic shows you how to report cost-effectiveness ratios on a simple chart to make interpretation easy.
Cost Analysis Results Table Templates
This workbook provides table templates for reporting your cost analysis results. One table is set up for site level reporting and another allows you to report the low, mean, and high costs per resource.
Disseminating Economic Evaluations
This brief provides suggestions on how to disseminate the results of your economic evaluations and includes a list of relevant journals and example articles.
Feedback or Suggestions?
If you have feedback for us on any of the CAP Project resources or suggestions for additional resources to support cost analysis, please use the box below.