As a continuation of a study of economic returns on investment in selected occupational programs in New York State, this report examines the reasons for the differential rates of return to program graduates and offers recommendations for maximizing graduate returns on investment. Section I provides an introduction to the purposes and objectives of the study, study methodology, and the conclusions of the prior research effort. Section II presents the results from interviews with a sample of employers conducted to determine factors associated with higher salary yields. Information was gathered on job requirements, criteria for employee selection, sources of qualified candidates, the use of contractual education, cooperative education opportunities, and employer participation on curriculum advisory committees. Section III focuses on the results of interviews at selected schools, which concentrated on recruitment procedures, placement support activities, curriculum advisory councils, cooperative education programming, and monitoring/evaluating activities. Section IV offers an examination of environmental and programmatic factors associated with graduate yields and discusses program strategies to maximize yields. A synthesis and summary of recommendations is presented in section V, highlighting the roles of employers, placement offices, and faculty; and ways of strengthening linkages between placement offices and employers, students, alumni, and faculty. Questionnaires are appended. (HB)