A survey conducted to provide general information on instructional costs at universities similar to Montana State is presented in an effort to demonstrate difficulties involved in comparing costs among different universities. A sample of six comparable financial reports from Rocky Mountain area universities were collected. Figures are provided for the six institutions (not identified by school) including: Idaho State University; New Mexico State University; North Dakota State University; South Dakota State University; University of New Mexico; and University of Wyoming. Although detailed financial reports were received, only approximately half of the collected data could be reconciled into a common format. It is suggested that two major problems exist for this type of a study. First, the press for standard intrastate reporting methods across general types of institutions seems to preclude standard interstate reporting procedures for a specific type of institution. Secondly, significant differences exist in the definition of student credit hours and the calculation of full time equivalent enrollment. (Author/SF)