What does Cost Benefit Analysis assess in an educational program?

Cost Benefit Analysis in an educational program primarily focuses on identifying and assessing the true costs associated with implementing and maintaining the program. This involves a detailed examination of all expenditures, including direct costs such as materials, instructors' salaries, and facility usage, as well as indirect costs like administrative overhead and potential lost opportunities. By understanding these costs, stakeholders can make informed decisions about resource allocation and program sustainability.

While analyzing costs is a vital component, it is also essential to consider outcomes, such as program effectiveness and financial returns, to fully assess a program's value. However, the core function of Cost Benefit Analysis is to provide a thorough overview of the costs, ensuring that decision-makers have a clear financial picture before proceeding with any investments or changes. This means that while other aspects like the program's impact on students or financial returns have relevance, they are not the primary focus of the Cost Benefit Analysis as it aims to outline the expenditure aspect first.