Part of a government report on "Efficiency in Higher Education," this study dealt with the cost of existing or proposed external degree or non-traditional programs in adult higher education, an area which is lacking in substantive cost data. Twenty-seven institutions were contacted because they were believed to have non-traditional programs; high interest was expressed by administrators in exchanging information on the subject. Thirteen of these institutions responded with data while fourteen had nothing or limited data to report. This study has included cost data from Brigham Young University, Columbia University, Empire State College, Florida International University, Goddard College, Harvard University, International University for Independent Study, New York University, Shasta College, State of California (Bureau of Adult Education), U.C.L.A. Veterans' Program; University Without Walls (Antioch College), Wayne State University/University of Michigan, and University of South Florida. A list of 70 references also has been included as sources of additional information on costs of special and external degree programs. (EA)