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Most Affordable Online BCBA Degree Programs of 2025
Compare BCBA Programs
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Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior that seeks to apply an understanding of how behavior works to increase helpful behaviors and decrease behaviors that are harmful or affect learning. While it is most commonly used with children on the autism spectrum, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) also work with clients who have behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, or developmental differences.
Students interested in becoming a BCBA must have a master’s degree or graduate certificate in the field. To help students find a cost-effective, accessible program, Intelligent.com compiled this list of the most affordable online BCBA degree and certificate programs. We also spoke to Blanca Villagomez, a program counselor and coordinator at UC-Irvine, and Dana Marvin, an independent college counselor, for their insights into selecting and paying for an online BCBA degree.
Cost Breakdown for an Online BCBA Degree Program
When determining how much you can afford to spend for an online BCBA degree or certificate, it’s important to understand all the costs associated with this program.
Tuition: The primary cost associated with higher education, tuition is typically assessed based on the number of credit hours a student enrolls in each term. Most schools charge full-time students a flat per-term tuition rate, while part-time students pay per credit hour. Students should consult their school’s financial aid office for the most accurate information about how much tuition is and how it is assessed.
Fees: Schools often charge additional fees for expenses not covered by tuition. For example, colleges may charge online students a fee for virtual classroom technology, such as online course platforms or tech support. Students should clarify with a financial aid counselor whether there are any fees they must pay in addition to tuition and how often these fees are assessed.
Personal technology: Reliable hardware and internet access are essential for success in online education. Before you start your BCBA program, review your technology set-up and determine if you need to upgrade your computer, webcam, microphone, or internet service to ensure everything will work smoothly. Check with your school to find out if they partner with retailers or companies to offer students discounts on essential tech supplies.
Books and supplies: According to the Education Data Initiative, the average postsecondary student spent between $628 and $1,200 for books and supplies during the 2021-2022 academic year. Therefore, it’s essential to budget for this expense as well. Also, consider if your program requires an internship, which may mean additional costs for business attire or transportation to your internship site.
Factors Influencing the Cost of an Online BCBA Degree Program
Tuition rates will differ by college based on the following factors:
Public vs. private institution
An institution’s public or private college status significantly impacts its tuition rates. Because public colleges use state tax revenue for funding, they offer subsidized tuition rates to students who live in the state where the school is located, while charging out-of-state students a higher tuition rate. However, as online programs rise in popularity, some schools have begun charging distance learners the same tuition rate, regardless of the state where they reside. Meanwhile, because private colleges don’t use public money, they charge all students the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Because private colleges rely more heavily on tuition as a source of revenue, they tend to have higher tuition rates than public colleges.
Nonprofit vs. for-profit
Another college classification status is non-profit and for-profit. All public and most private universities are non-profit, which means they must reinvest revenue into the institution through faculty and staff salaries, infrastructure, student services, and more. For-profit schools operate like corporations, with the primary goal of earning a profit. The sticker price at for-profit schools may be lower, but because these institutions typically invest less in faculty, infrastructure, and other student resources, their students may receive a different quality of education than those at non-profits. Students considering for-profit schools should carefully review how the institution invests its money and its student outcomes.
Student military status
A student’s military status can also affect their tuition rate, as many colleges offer discounts to students who are active-duty service members or veterans. Depending on the school, these benefits may extend to spouses and children. Students who think they might be eligible should consult the school’s financial aid office for more information.
This list features some of the most affordable online BCBA degree programs in the U.S. All are offered at nonprofit, accredited institutions, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each degree program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and student resources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared our picks to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
How to Pay for an Online BCBA Degree Program
Scholarships and grants
Scholarships and grants are considered gift aid because they don’t have to be repaid. There are several sources for scholarships and grants, including colleges, federal and state governments, professional organizations, private foundations, community and religious groups, and non-profits. Grants are typically awarded based on financial need, while students can receive scholarships for their academic, athletic, or extracurricular achievements, being part of a specific demographic or their financial need. For need-based scholarships, students must typically submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
“Students should explore all avenues for scholarships and grants, both from the school they’re attending and outside sources,” Marvin says. “Scholarships and grants can lower the amount that the student has to pay out of pocket or borrow in loans, and in the best case scenario, they can completely cover the cost of a degree.”
Employer tuition assistance
If available, students who plan on working while earning a BCBA degree may be eligible for tuition reimbursement benefits from their employer. Specific parameters of this benefit vary, but in most cases, employers will reimburse students for tuition and other education expenses after they successfully complete a course or program. Speak to your company’s benefits coordinator to find out if tuition assistance is available and how to obtain it.
Work-study
The Federal Student Aid program awards work-study funding to eligible students. In this program, students work part-time for their college in exchange for an hourly wage. Work-study positions exist in various college departments, and online students should inquire about available remote work-study positions. Work-study jobs pay at least the federal minimum wage, although many, especially for graduate students, pay more. Students enrolled in certificate programs should check whether they are eligible for work-study funding.
Federal student loans
The FSA program also offers federal student loans, with interest rates and repayment terms set by Congress. Graduate students are eligible for Direct Unsubsidized Loans. To determine their eligibility for federal student loans, they must submit the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA). While students enrolling in accredited degree programs are typically eligible for federal student loans, not all certificate programs are eligible for this type of funding. Before enrolling in a BCBA certificate program, students should confirm if they can borrow federal student loans to cover costs so they can budget accordingly.
Federal student loans benefit students because qualification doesn’t depend on a credit score, and there are different repayment options, including income-driven options and loan forgiveness programs,” Marvin says.
She also encourages borrowers to think strategically about student loans. “Borrow only as much money as you need and nothing more. If you’re eligible for a loan for $12,500 but only need $8,000, there’s no need to take out a loan for that extra funds. Remember, every dollar you borrow must be paid back with interest. You can also begin paying off loans once they’ve been disbursed. Even paying off a few hundred or thousand dollars before finishing school can make a huge difference to post-graduate loan amounts.”
Private education loans
Because there are limits on how much students can borrow in federal student loans, some individuals may need to borrow from private lenders like Sallie Mae, Ascent, or SoFi to cover all their educational expenses. Private education loans differ from federal student loans because their interest rates and repayment terms are based on current market rates and the borrower’s credit history. Therefore, they may be less favorable than terms for federal student loans. Students who need to use private education loans to help pay for their degrees should keep an eye on interest rates throughout the year to lock in the most favorable terms possible.
Out-of-pocket
When students or families use their money to pay for tuition and other education-related expenses, it’s considered paying out of pocket. Most students pay at least some education expenses out of pocket. If you plan on paying some or all of your tuition out-of-pocket, inquire with the school’s financial aid office to determine if they allow students to pay in installments throughout the term.
An online degree or certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) prepares students to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). These professionals work with patients who suffer from behavioral and psychological disorders, and help clients overcome daily barriers that otherwise affect their quality of life. BCBAs frequently treat individuals on the autism spectrum who require assistance with communication and social skills.
BCBAs work in various settings, including schools and other educational services, private practices, inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, healthcare facilities, nursing homes, and more. General BCBA responsibilities include meeting with families, teachers, and other clients to discuss behavior problems that need to be addressed, observing clients’ behavior in environments, collecting data related to the frequency, duration, and rate of concerning behaviors, and analyzing information to determine appropriate interventions.
“A college education requires an investment of time, money, and energy, so it’s important for students to reflect on their motivations for pursuing a degree,” Villagomez says. “I encourage students to start by reflecting on their academic interests, career goals, and the types of learning environments they thrive in to identify the best programs for them.”
Students interested in pursuing BCBA education should consider whether a master’s degree is necessary or if a graduate certificate in the subject is sufficient. “Since many BCBA programs are available, having a clear set of parameters will make the research process much smoother,” Villagomez says. “Some things to consider when deciding between a master’s and a graduate certificate include curriculum requirements, program duration, and professional development opportunities.”
This is also an ideal time to consider logistical needs, including whether a synchronous or asynchronous program is the best fit. “Expectations and pacing can vary greatly across courses, depending on whether they’re delivered synchronously or asynchronously,” Villagomez says. “With asynchronous courses, interactions with professors and classmates can be limited and may require more effort to stay connected, while synchronous courses can facilitate engagement more easily. Regardless of modality, all online degree programs require high self-motivation, effective time management, and structured independent study.”
Step 2: Research schools and programs
Once you’ve established criteria for the type of program you want, you can begin exploring your options.
The first thing to check with any schools you’re considering is their accreditation status. “Verifying the college’s accreditation ensures that the institution has the seal of approval by the U.S. Department of Education,” Villagomez says. “With institutional accreditation, colleges are evaluated as a whole and must meet several quality standards. Programmatic accreditations evaluate the quality and legitimacy of the specific degree programs. Attending a non-accredited college can negatively impact future post-graduate opportunities such as employment and board certification.” The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) accredits BCBA programs in the U.S.
Other questions to ask during the research process include:
Who are the program’s faculty, and what are their credentials?
Does the curriculum include hands-on learning experiences like internships?
What support services does the school offer online students?
What types of scholarships, grants, and fellowships are available?
Schools generally include this information on their website or with marketing materials available to potential students. They may also offer online open houses or information sessions where students can speak to faculty, students, and admissions counselors.
Step 3: Review application and eligibility requirements
“After researching the degree programs and schools, students should have a strong sense of the admission requirements,” Villagomez says. “Requirements will vary by school, so students must stay organized with a comprehensive and detailed checklist to track their progress, submit all required materials, and meet deadlines.”
In general, students applying for an online BCBA degree or certificate program are required to submit the following:
Completed application and required fees
Official transcripts from undergraduate colleges attended
