Zero energy schools provide a number of unique benefits to school districts, students and staff, and communities. This study from NREL examines 88 zero energy or zero energy ready schools across the United States built in the last 15 years. Their findings indicate that not only can zero energy schools be designed and built on conventional school budgets, but they can cost less. The results of this study will help future school stakeholders, program administrators, and design teams counter the perceived cost barriers.