This study investigated the cumulative costs generated by supported and sheltered employees with mental retardation throughout one "employment cycle," that is, from the moment they entered their respective programs to when they exited or stopped receiving services. Data indicate that supported employees acquired services costing funding sources a total of $6,619 over 5.98 fiscal quarters or a per fiscal quarter cost of $1,107. In comparison, sheltered employees acquired services costing funding sources a total of $19,388 over 6.22 fiscal quarters or a per fiscal quarter cost of $3,117. (Contains 1 footnote.)