Search programs
x
Compare BCBA Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare BCBA Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Behavior analysts use proven scientific principles and procedures to help individuals with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, dementia, and other conditions build skills and improve social behavior.

To become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), individuals must have a graduate-level education in applied behavior analysis (ABA) that fulfills the requirements set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Options include a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), or graduate certificate paired with a master’s degree in a related field. Some schools offer a bachelor’s degree in applied behavior analysis for undergraduate students.

In order to help students find the right BCBA degree program for their budget, we compiled this list of the most affordable bachelor’s and master’s BCBA degree programs.

Cost Breakdown for a BCBA Degree Program

Tuition may be the primary cost students associate with earning a BCBA degree. However, other expenses contribute to the overall amount students pay for their programs.

Tuition

Tuition makes up the bulk of what students pay to get a BCBA degree, and it will vary from school to school. Schools typically charge tuition based on a student’s enrollment status. Full-time students typically pay a flat, per-term tuition rate, while part-time students will pay per credit hour. For the most accurate information about a school’s tuition, students should speak to a financial aid counselor at the institution.

Fees

It’s also common practice for schools to charge additional fees for specific services or resources. For on-campus programs, students may have to pay fees for campus activities, technology services like printing, and parking. There may also be program-specific fees, like background checks or certification exams for BCBA students. Fees may be assessed on a one-time, annual, or per-term basis. Confirm the fees associated with your program and factor that cost into

your budget.

Room and board

If you’re attending a BCBA degree program in person, you may also consider living on campus. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the annual cost of room and board (on-campus meal plans) was $13,175 for the 2022-23 academic year. Living off campus may be less expensive, but it’s still important to budget for housing and living expenses, including commuting costs like gas, parking, or public transit fees.

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. Before starting your BCBA degree program, assess your current technology and upgrade if you need a more reliable computer or internet access.

Factors Influencing the Cost of a BCBA Degree Program

Tuition for a BCBA degree program can vary widely based on the following factors:

Public vs. private institution

Public colleges receive money from federal and state governments to fund their operations and subsidize tuition costs, particularly for students who live in the state where the school is located. Therefore, you’ll likely find the lowest tuition as an in-state student at a public institution. Out-of-state students who attend public universities typically pay a higher tuition rate because their taxes aren’t subsidizing their education. For example, for public universities on this list, the average per-credit cost for in-state students is $511, while out-of-state students pay an average of $1,040 per credit hour.

Meanwhile, private colleges, which don’t receive government funding, charge higher tuition rates because they rely more on tuition as a revenue source. Private institutions charge all students the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. The average per-credit tuition rate for private institutions on this list is $1,208.

Nonprofit vs. for-profit

Colleges are also classified as non-profit or for-profit. All public and most private universities are non-profit, which means they must reinvest their 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. Although tuition rates may be lower at for-profit schools, students should consider that because of their structure, for-profit schools invest less in faculty, infrastructure, and other student resources, which can impact the quality of education they receive. If you’re considering a for-profit school, carefully review how the school invests its money and what its student outcomes are.

Student military status

Students who are active-duty military, veterans, or the spouse or child of a member of the Armed Services may qualify for tuition discounts. If you think you might be eligible for a military tuition discount, speak to the school’s financial aid office for more information.

Number of credits and completion time

Essentially, the more time you spend on your education, the more you’ll pay. The minimum number of credits for a bachelor’s degree is 120, which typically translates to four years of full-time study. Total credits for graduate programs vary. Most BCBA master’s programs are 30-45 credits. If you have college credits from a previously attended program, you may be able to transfer those credits to your BCBA degree program, decreasing your completion time and costs. If this situation applies to you, seeking out a degree completion program can help make earning your BCBA degree more affordable.

9 Most Affordable BCBA Degree Programs

Filters:
9 Results
Clear Filters
Sort by: Intelligent Score
#1
Saint Cloud, MN | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

St. Cloud State University

Intelligent Score: 99.68
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,505

Out-of-state: $15,921

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $7,607

Out-of-state: $7,607

Test scores

SAT: 1000-1250

ACT: 18-24

Retention Rate
67%
Admission Rate
73%
On-campus students
60%
Graduation Rate
45%
Students enrolled
12,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$38k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$705

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online

ACCREDITATION

Association for Behavior Analysis International

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

45

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 320-308-0121

#2
Tampa, FL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

The University of South Florida

Intelligent Score: 98.7
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,559

Out-of-state: $15,473

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $8,350

Out-of-state: $8,350

Test scores

SAT: 1160-1320

ACT: 25-30

Retention Rate
92%
Admission Rate
49%
On-campus students
10%
Graduation Rate
74%
Students enrolled
51,000
Student to faculty ratio
22:01
Average Salary
$39k
Average Student Debt
$19k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $347

Out-of-State: $855

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Association for Behavior Analysis International

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

45

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 813-974-3096

#3
Tempe, AZ | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Arizona State University

Intelligent Score: 98.56
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $10,710

Out-of-state: $28,800

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $11,720

Out-of-state: $11,720

Test scores

SAT: 1100-1320

ACT: 21-28

Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
88%
On-campus students
15%
Graduation Rate
66%
Students enrolled
75,000
Student to faculty ratio
18:01
Average Salary
$42k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $897

Non-Resident: $1,471

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commissio

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

45

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 480-727-4561

#4
Lawrence, KS | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

The University of Kansas

Intelligent Score: 98.17
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $10,092

Out-of-state: $26,960

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $9,989

Out-of-state: $9,989

Test scores

SAT: 1070-1320

ACT: 22-29

Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
91%
On-campus students
10%
Graduation Rate
63%
Students enrolled
27,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$45k
Average Student Debt
$21k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $353

Out-of-State: $943

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commissio

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

124

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 785-864-4840

#5
Amherst, MA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Intelligent Score: 97.73
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $15,791

Out-of-state: $35,779

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $14,014

Out-of-state: $14,014

Test scores

SAT: 1200-1390

ACT: 27-32

Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
65%
On-campus students
4%
Graduation Rate
83%
Students enrolled
32,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$44k
Average Student Debt
$23k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $682

Out-of-State: $1,232

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online, Hybrid

ACCREDITATION

New England Commission of Higher Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 508-999-8000

#6
Denton, TX | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of North Texas

Intelligent Score: 96.57
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $8,295

Out-of-state: $18,111

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $6,350

Out-of-state: $6,350

Test scores

SAT: 1050-1240

ACT: 20-27

Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
84%
On-campus students
28%
Graduation Rate
57%
Students enrolled
41,000
Student to faculty ratio
26:01:00
Average Salary
$39k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $280

Out-of-State: $700

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 940-565-2000

#7
Melbourne, FL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Florida Institute of Technology

Intelligent Score: 94.65
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $42,346

Out-of-state: $42,346

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $22,338

Out-of-state: $22,338

Test scores

SAT: 1130-1330

ACT: 23-30

Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
70%
On-campus students
70%
Graduation Rate
60%
Students enrolled
7,000
Student to faculty ratio
15:01
Average Salary
$47k
Average Student Debt
$27k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,250

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 321-674-8000

#8
Chicago, IL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Intelligent Score: 94.20
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $46,796

Out-of-state: $46,796

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $50,636

Out-of-state: $50,636

Test scores

SAT: Not Required

ACT: Not Required

Retention Rate
70%
Admission Rate
37%
On-campus students
97%
Graduation Rate
0%
Students enrolled
6,000
Student to faculty ratio
8-to-1
Average Salary
58,953
Average Student Debt
20,000

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,368

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online

ACCREDITATION

Association for Behavior Analysis International

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

46

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 800-721-8072

#9
Malibu, CA | 4 years | Online | Private

Pepperdine University

Intelligent Score: 93.10
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $57,750

Out-of-state: $57,750

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $36,200

Out-of-state: $36,200

Test scores

SAT: 1200-1410

ACT: 26-31

Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
42%
On-campus students
N/A
Graduation Rate
89%
Students enrolled
10,000
Student to faculty ratio
13:01
Average Salary
$54k
Average Student Debt
$26k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,510

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 310-568-5600

How we rank schools

Becoming a BCBA begins with a graduate-level degree in behavior analysis, psychology, or education, so the options we’ve included on our list are either master’s degree programs or graduate certificate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis offered as supplements to master’s degree programs. All of them meet the criteria for Verified Course Sequence as prescribed by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and meet the coursework eligibility for BACB examinations.

Many of these programs are offered online, though some are available on campus. In most cases, they are offered synchronously, meaning students must attend classes following a set schedule. Some programs may allow classes to be taken asynchronously, offering greater flexibility.

We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.

How to Pay for a BCBA Program

Out-of-pocket

Most students and families have some money that they can contribute to tuition and other school-related expenses. These payments are considered ‘out-of-pocket’ because students and families pay their own money directly to the institution. Some students and families may be able to cover the entire cost of a BCBA degree out-of-pocket, but it’s more likely they combine these payments with other forms of financial aid. Students paying some or all their tuition out-of-pocket should find out if their school offers payment plans that allow them to make tuition payments throughout the term instead of paying in a lump sum at the start of the term.

Federal student loans

As part of the Federal Student Aid (FSA) program, the U.S. Department of Education offers Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Undergraduate students qualify for both types of loans, while graduate students are only eligible for unsubsidized loans. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for student loans. These education loans have interest rates and repayment terms set by Congress and are generally more favorable than private education loans. More information about applying for student loans through the FAFSA is included in the next section.

Private education loans

Another loan option is private education loans from lenders like Sallie Mae, Ascent, and SoFi. Unlike federal student loans, lenders set terms for private education loans based on current interest rates and the borrower’s credit history. Experts generally recommend that students use private education loans only if they have exhausted other avenues of paying for school. Students borrowing money from private lenders should keep track of interest rates throughout the year to lock in the most favorable terms possible.

Scholarships

Scholarships are considered gift aid or money for education that doesn’t have to be repaid. Most schools offer scholarships to students based on financial need or achievement in academics, athletics, or extracurricular activities. Students can also find scholarships through professional organizations, nonprofits, community and religious organizations, private endowments, and more. Depending on the scholarship, there may be an application process. For most need-based scholarships, students must submit FAFSA information for consideration.

Grants

Grants are another type of gift aid and are usually awarded based on financial need. One of the most common educational grants is the Pell Grant, which the Federal Student Aid program awards to undergraduate students with extraordinary financial need. Students can also obtain grants from state governments and their individual institutions.

Work-study

This type of funding, also awarded by the Federal Student Aid program, pays students to work at a part-time, on-campus job. Students receive work-study funding through their financial aid package. Work-study positions are available in many college departments. Students with work-study jobs must earn at least the federal minimum wage, although some positions pay higher rates.

Employer tuition assistance

Students who are working while earning their BCBA degree should inquire with their employer about tuition assistance benefits. This type of financial aid can come in different forms, but it typically involves an employer reimbursing an employee for some or all of their education-related expenses after successfully completing a course or degree. Specific policies, eligibility requirements, and payment amounts vary by company.

Applying for Financial Aid

The first step in applying for financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Schools use the information gathered in this application to determine students’ eligibility for need-based aid, such as student loans, grants, and work-study. Most undergraduate students will use their parents’ or guardians’ income information, as well as their own, for the FAFSA. For an in-depth overview of the FAFSA, visit our Ultimate FAFSA Guide.

Student loan forgiveness and repayment

Borrowing student loans to pay for college is a significant responsibility. Students and families taking out student loans, whether federal or private, should always expect to pay those loans in full with interest. They should also carefully review all loans’ interest rates and repayment options before committing to them.

Payments on federal student loans resumed in October 2023 after being paused since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Biden administration has taken steps to forgive student loan debt for millions of borrowers, the Supreme Court blocked a more comprehensive student debt relief plan in June 2023. Although student loan debt relief efforts are ongoing, students and families who are borrowing money to pay for school should assume they’re responsible for repaying those loans in full, with interest.

To help students and families navigate the financial aid process, Dana Marvin, an independent college counselor, offers the following advice.

“Borrow only what you need and nothing more,” she says. “If you’re eligible for a $12,500 loan but only need $8,000, there’s no need to take out a loan for those extra funds — every dollar you borrow in a loan must be repaid with interest.”

Marvin also advises students to begin paying off their loans as soon as possible, “Even paying off a few hundred or thousand dollars before finishing school can make a huge difference to those loan amounts post-graduation,” she says.

Lastly, Marvin encourages students and families to be realistic about what they can afford in terms of out-of-pocket costs and loan amounts.

“If attending a certain pricy college will put a family into major debt and require potentially dangerous financial decisions, such as taking out a second mortgage or withdrawing from a retirement account early, it may mean a hard conversation of choosing a different school.”

What Can I Do with a BCBA Degree?

The most common career trajectory for graduates with degrees in applied behavior analysis is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This qualifies individuals to provide behavior-analytic services to clients dealing with challenges such as autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injuries, substance use disorders, and more. BCBAs work in a variety of environments, including healthcare settings, schools, mental health clinics, and private practices.

Graduates with this degree have multiple options for their career path, each centered around applying ABA principles to create positive behavioral changes. Here are some possible career options for individuals with this degree:

  • Behavioral disorder counselors — Work with children, teens, and adults who have autism spectrum disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, dementia, or other conditions to help them build skills and improve social behavior
      • Median annual salary: $53,710
      • Projected employment growth (through 2032): 18%
      • New jobs projected: 42,000 per year
  • Special education teachers — Work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities by adapting lessons and teaching basic skills.
      • Median annual salary: $65,910
      • Projected employment growth (through 2032): 0%
      • New jobs projected: 33,500 per year
  • Psychologists — Study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another as well as their environments.
    • Median annual salary: $92,740
    • Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
    • New jobs projected: 12,800 per year

Compare School Options


Related Degrees