A study examined the question of whether there is a connection between program characteristics and desirable program outcomes (student satisfaction, placement, and job performance ratings). A program evaluation questionnaire, containing over 300 individual items on such program characteristics as teacher certification and experience, instructional objectives, performance standards, community relations, and counseling services, was used to collect data for over 11,000 students and 600 teachers from Maryland vocational programs at the secondary level. In addition, followup supervisor ratings of job performance were available for approximately 800 students. Data from these sources were compiled and analyzed with respect to the relationship between 36 program characteristics (in the areas of advisory councils, administration, public relations, staff, facilities, recruitment, counseling, curriculum, student organizations, and placement services) and the three program outcomes. Relationships between characteristics and outcomes were presented where consistent trends were found and several speculations were made concerning these relationships. Recommendations called for further research involving sufficient samples of students of each sex and race. (A related comparison of four alternative delivery systems for vocational education is available separately through ERIC--see note.) (MN)