Top 35 ABA Therapy Graduate Programs in the US (2026 Rankings)

TL;DR: Becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) requires a graduate degree in behavior analysis or a related field from an ABAI-accredited or approved program, plus supervised fieldwork and passing the BCBA exam. The best programs combine strong faculty, high exam pass rates (80%+ first-attempt), practical fieldwork placements, and flexible scheduling. Top-ranked programs include the University of North Texas, Western Michigan University, University of South Florida, and Simmons University. Online programs have expanded access dramatically — many top-ranked programs now offer fully online or hybrid options. Total cost ranges from $15,000 (in-state public) to $80,000+ (private university). This guide compares 35 programs across format, cost, pass rates, and specializations.

The demand for BCBAs has never been higher. With autism prevalence at 1 in 31 children and an estimated 5x gap between the number of BCBAs needed and those currently certified, the field is growing rapidly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 22% growth for behavior analysts through 2032 — far exceeding the average for all occupations.

But becoming a BCBA requires specific graduate education. Choosing the right program affects your exam preparation, clinical skills, career opportunities, and financial investment. This guide helps you compare the top programs and find the best fit for your goals.

What You Need to Become a BCBA

Education Requirements (as of 2022 BCBA standards)

1. Graduate degree — Master’s or doctoral degree in behavior analysis, education, or psychology from an accredited institution
2. Verified Course Sequence (VCS) — specific coursework approved by the ABAI (Association for Behavior Analysis International), typically 270+ hours across core content areas
3. Supervised fieldwork — 2,000 hours of supervised experience (1,500 if in a concentrated format), with ongoing supervision from a qualified BCBA
4. BCBA exam — pass the Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination administered by the BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)

Choosing the Right Program

When evaluating programs, consider:

Factor	Why It Matters
ABAI accreditation	Accredited programs meet the highest standards; graduates may have a streamlined path to certification
BCBA exam pass rate	First-attempt pass rates indicate how well the program prepares students; look for 75%+
Format	On-campus, online, or hybrid — match to your life circumstances
Fieldwork support	Does the program arrange placements or are you responsible for finding your own?
Faculty expertise	Faculty who publish and practice in your area of interest
Cost	Total program cost including tuition, fees, and materials
Duration	Most programs are 2–3 years; accelerated options exist
Specialization	Some programs emphasize autism/developmental disabilities; others cover OBM, education, or gerontology

Top Programs by Region

Northeast

1. Simmons University (Boston, MA)

• Format: On-campus and online
• Degree: M.S. in Behavior Analysis
• ABAI Accredited: Yes
• Pass Rate: ~87% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $55,000–65,000 total
• Highlights: One of the oldest and most respected programs. Strong practicum placements in the Boston area. Faculty includes prominent researchers in verbal behavior and autism treatment.

2. Northeastern University (Boston, MA)

• Format: On-campus and online (hybrid available)
• Degree: M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
• ABAI Accredited: Yes
• Pass Rate: ~82% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $50,000–60,000 total
• Highlights: Urban campus with extensive practicum site network. Research opportunities with faculty. Strong focus on ethical practice and cultural responsiveness.

3. Penn State University (University Park, PA)

• Format: On-campus
• Degree: M.S. or Ph.D. in Special Education with ABA concentration
• ABAI Accredited: Yes (doctoral)
• Pass Rate: ~85% first-attempt
• Duration: 2–3 years (master’s), 4–5 years (doctoral)
• Estimated Cost: $25,000–35,000 (in-state), $50,000–65,000 (out-of-state)
• Highlights: Strong research program. Assistantship opportunities that reduce cost. Focus on school-based behavior analysis.

4. University of Massachusetts Boston

• Format: On-campus
• Degree: M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
• ABAI Accredited: Yes
• Pass Rate: ~80% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $18,000–25,000 (in-state), $40,000–50,000 (out-of-state)
• Highlights: Affordable public option. Research emphasis on verbal behavior and autism.

5. Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ)

• Format: On-campus and online
• Degree: M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Pass Rate: ~78% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $30,000–40,000 (in-state), $50,000–60,000 (out-of-state)
• Highlights: Partnership with the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services. Strong research output. Good funding opportunities.

Southeast

6. University of South Florida (Tampa, FL)

• Format: On-campus and online
• Degree: M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
• ABAI Accredited: Yes
• Pass Rate: ~88% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $15,000–20,000 (in-state), $30,000–40,000 (out-of-state)
• Highlights: Consistently top-ranked. One of the most affordable accredited programs. Home to the Florida Autism Center of Excellence. Faculty publishes extensively in JABA.

7. University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)

• Format: On-campus
• Degree: M.S. or Ph.D. in Psychology with ABA specialization
• ABAI Accredited: Yes (doctoral)
• Pass Rate: ~86% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years (master’s), 5 years (doctoral)
• Estimated Cost: $15,000–20,000 (in-state), $35,000–45,000 (out-of-state)
• Highlights: Research-focused. Strong in basic and translational behavior analysis. Excellent assistantship support.

8. Florida Institute of Technology (Melbourne, FL)

• Format: On-campus and online
• Degree: M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
• ABAI Accredited: Yes
• Pass Rate: ~83% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $40,000–50,000 total
• Highlights: Comprehensive online option. Scott Center for Autism Treatment on campus. Faculty active in organizational behavior management.

9. University of Georgia (Athens, GA)

• Format: On-campus
• Degree: M.Ed. or Ph.D. in Special Education with ABA emphasis
• Pass Rate: ~80% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years (master’s), 4–5 years (doctoral)
• Estimated Cost: $15,000–20,000 (in-state), $35,000–45,000 (out-of-state)
• Highlights: Strong school-based focus. Assistantship opportunities. Active research in classroom management and academic behavior.

10. Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)

• Format: On-campus
• Degree: M.Ed. in Special Education with ABA track
• Pass Rate: ~84% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $55,000–70,000 total
• Highlights: Peabody College consistently ranked #1 in special education. Extensive research and clinical facilities. High-quality fieldwork placements.

Midwest

11. Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo, MI)

• Format: On-campus
• Degree: M.A. or Ph.D. in Psychology (Behavior Analysis)
• ABAI Accredited: Yes
• Pass Rate: ~90% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years (master’s), 5 years (doctoral)
• Estimated Cost: $18,000–25,000 (in-state), $35,000–45,000 (out-of-state)
• Highlights: One of the highest exam pass rates in the country. Home to ABAI headquarters. Deep history in behavior analysis. Exceptional faculty-to-student ratio.

12. University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS)

• Format: On-campus
• Degree: M.A. or Ph.D. in Applied Behavioral Science
• ABAI Accredited: Yes
• Pass Rate: ~85% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years (master’s), 5 years (doctoral)
• Estimated Cost: $15,000–20,000 (in-state), $35,000–45,000 (out-of-state)
• Highlights: Birthplace of ABA — the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis was founded here. Legendary faculty lineage. Strong research tradition.

13. University of Nebraska Medical Center (Omaha, NE)

• Format: On-campus
• Degree: Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis (Munroe-Meyer Institute)
• ABAI Accredited: Yes
• Pass Rate: ~92% first-attempt
• Duration: 5 years
• Estimated Cost: Funded (most students receive stipends)
• Highlights: One of the most selective and highest-quality doctoral programs. Munroe-Meyer Institute is world-renowned for behavior analysis research. Fully funded positions.

14. University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH)

• Format: On-campus and online
• Degree: M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Pass Rate: ~79% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $20,000–28,000 (in-state), $40,000–50,000 (out-of-state)
• Highlights: Practical focus with strong fieldwork component. Good online option for working professionals.

15. Ball State University (Muncie, IN)

• Format: Online
• Degree: M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Pass Rate: ~76% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $15,000–25,000 total
• Highlights: One of the most affordable online programs. Flexible for working professionals. Strong student support services.

Southwest & West

16. University of North Texas (Denton, TX)

• Format: On-campus
• Degree: M.S. or Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis
• ABAI Accredited: Yes
• Pass Rate: ~91% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years (master’s), 4–5 years (doctoral)
• Estimated Cost: $15,000–20,000 (in-state), $30,000–40,000 (out-of-state)
• Highlights: Consistently top 3 nationally. Exceptional pass rates. Large faculty with diverse research interests. Strong practicum network in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

17. Baylor University (Waco, TX)

• Format: On-campus
• Degree: M.S.Ed. in Educational Psychology with ABA concentration
• Pass Rate: ~82% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $45,000–55,000 total
• Highlights: Small cohort, individualized attention. Strong ethical training emphasis. Growing research program.

18. University of Houston-Clear Lake (Houston, TX)

• Format: On-campus and online
• Degree: M.A. in Behavior Analysis
• ABAI Accredited: Yes
• Pass Rate: ~80% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $12,000–18,000 (in-state), $25,000–35,000 (out-of-state)
• Highlights: Very affordable. Accredited program with flexible scheduling. Located in the Houston metro area with abundant practicum options.

19. Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ)

• Format: Online
• Degree: M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Pass Rate: ~78% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $25,000–35,000 total
• Highlights: Fully online from a major research university. ASU’s scale means strong student support infrastructure.

20. University of Nevada, Reno (Reno, NV)

• Format: On-campus
• Degree: M.A. or Ph.D. in Psychology (Behavior Analysis)
• ABAI Accredited: Yes
• Pass Rate: ~86% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years (master’s), 5 years (doctoral)
• Estimated Cost: $15,000–20,000 (in-state), $30,000–40,000 (out-of-state)
• Highlights: Strong research program with emphasis on early intervention. Faculty active in translational research. Beautiful campus setting.

West Coast

21. University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA)

• Format: On-campus
• Degree: M.A. in Behavior Analysis
• ABAI Accredited: Yes
• Pass Rate: ~84% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $50,000–60,000 total
• Highlights: Only ABAI-accredited program in California. Strong supervised fieldwork component. Small class sizes.

22. California State University, Los Angeles

• Format: On-campus
• Degree: M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Pass Rate: ~75% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $12,000–18,000 (in-state)
• Highlights: Extremely affordable. Located in LA with extensive practicum site access. Strong multicultural focus.

23. University of Washington (Seattle, WA)

• Format: On-campus
• Degree: M.Ed. in Special Education with ABA emphasis
• Pass Rate: ~80% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $20,000–30,000 (in-state), $45,000–55,000 (out-of-state)
• Highlights: Research-intensive. Access to UW Autism Center. Strong in early intervention approaches.

Top Online Programs

For working professionals or those without a local program, online ABA graduate programs offer flexibility without sacrificing quality.

24. Purdue University Global

• Degree: M.S. in Psychology with ABA concentration
• Pass Rate: ~72% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $30,000–40,000 total
• Highlights: Fully online, designed for working adults. Rolling admissions.

25. National University (San Diego, CA)

• Degree: M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
• ABAI Accredited: Yes
• Pass Rate: ~78% first-attempt
• Duration: 18–24 months
• Estimated Cost: $30,000–40,000 total
• Highlights: Accelerated format. ABAI accredited online program. Monthly start dates.

26. Capella University

• Degree: M.S. in Psychology with ABA specialization
• Pass Rate: ~70% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $30,000–45,000 total
• Highlights: Flexible online format. FlexPath option for self-paced learners.

27. Regent University (Virginia Beach, VA)

• Degree: M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Pass Rate: ~76% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $25,000–35,000 total
• Highlights: Faith-based institution. Competitive tuition. Growing ABA program.

28. Bay Path University (Longmeadow, MA)

• Degree: M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
• ABAI Accredited: Yes
• Pass Rate: ~80% first-attempt
• Duration: 2 years
• Estimated Cost: $35,000–45,000 total
• Highlights: ABAI-accredited online option. Strong supervision support for fieldwork.

Additional Notable Programs

#	University	State	Format	Estimated Cost	Pass Rate
29	University of North Carolina Wilmington	NC	On-campus	$15K–20K (in-state)	~78%
30	Teachers College, Columbia University	NY	On-campus	$70K–80K	~82%
31	University of Maryland, Baltimore County	MD	On-campus	$18K–25K (in-state)	~79%
32	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee	WI	On-campus & Online	$18K–25K (in-state)	~77%
33	Missouri State University	MO	On-campus	$12K–18K (in-state)	~75%
34	University of Saint Joseph (CT)	CT	On-campus	$40K–50K	~81%
35	McNeese State University	LA	On-campus & Online	$10K–15K (in-state)	~73%

How to Choose Your Program

Step 1: Define Your Goals

• Clinical career (treating clients) → prioritize fieldwork quality and pass rates
• Research career → prioritize faculty research alignment and doctoral programs
• Organizational behavior management → look for OBM specializations (FIT, WMU, UNT)
• School-based practice → programs with education focus (Penn State, UGA, Vanderbilt)

Step 2: Assess Your Constraints

• Budget — public in-state programs ($12K–25K) vs. private ($40K–80K)
• Location — can you relocate or do you need online/local?
• Timeline — standard 2-year vs. accelerated 18-month programs
• Work schedule — do you need evening/weekend/online flexibility?

Step 3: Compare Key Metrics

Request from each program:

1. BCBA exam first-attempt pass rate (last 3 years)
2. Average time to degree completion
3. Fieldwork site options and support
4. Faculty-to-student ratio
5. Graduate employment rate within 6 months
6. Average student debt at graduation
7. Available funding (assistantships, scholarships, tuition waivers)

Step 4: Visit and Talk to Students

If possible, visit campus. If online, request to speak with current students. Ask:

• What surprised you about the program?
• How accessible are faculty?
• How did the program prepare you for fieldwork?
• What would you change about the program?
• Did you feel prepared for the BCBA exam?

Browse ABA clinics near you — many offer fieldwork placements for students in ABA graduate programs.

Paying for Your ABA Degree

Funding Options

Source	Details
Graduate assistantships	Work 10–20 hrs/week for tuition waiver + stipend ($12K–25K/year). Common at research universities.
Employer tuition reimbursement	Many ABA companies reimburse tuition ($5K–10K/year) for employees pursuing BCBA certification
BACB scholarships	The BACB offers scholarships for underrepresented students in behavior analysis
State workforce programs	Some states fund graduate education in shortage fields — check your state’s workforce development board
Federal student loans	FAFSA eligibility for graduate students; Grad PLUS loans available
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)	If you work for a nonprofit or government employer, your loans may be forgiven after 120 qualifying payments

ROI Calculation

The median BCBA salary is approximately $75,000–85,000 nationally (2026), with significant variation by region. In high-demand areas (California, New York, Texas), salaries can reach $90,000–110,000. The BCBA credential typically increases earning potential by $30,000–50,000 over an RBT role.

For a $25,000 in-state program, the investment recovers in under a year of increased earnings. For a $70,000 private program, recovery takes 2–3 years — still a strong return.

The BCBA Exam

What to Expect

• Format: Computer-based, 160 multiple-choice questions (25 are unscored pilot items)
• Duration: 4 hours
• Content: Based on the BCBA Task List (5th edition) — assessment, intervention, ethics, supervision
• Pass rate: ~60–65% first-attempt nationally (varies by year)
• Cost: $245 application fee + $125 exam fee
• Retake policy: Can retake after 30 days; 8 attempts maximum

Programs with Highest Pass Rates

Rank	Program	First-Attempt Pass Rate
1	University of Nebraska Medical Center	~92%
2	University of North Texas	~91%
3	Western Michigan University	~90%
4	University of South Florida	~88%
5	Simmons University	~87%

Programs with pass rates above 80% are generally considered well-preparing. The national average is ~62%, so any program significantly above that is doing something right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a BCBA with an online degree?

Yes. Many ABAI-accredited programs offer fully online coursework. You’ll still need to complete supervised fieldwork in person, but the academic component can be entirely online. Some of the highest-quality programs (Florida Institute of Technology, National University, Bay Path University) offer online formats. Verify that any online program includes a BACB-approved Verified Course Sequence.

How long does it take to become a BCBA?

Typically 3–4 years after a bachelor’s degree: 2 years for the master’s degree plus 1–2 years to complete supervised fieldwork hours (some programs allow concurrent fieldwork during coursework, shortening the total timeline). Some accelerated programs can be completed in 18 months.

What’s the difference between ABAI accreditation and a BACB-approved course sequence?

ABAI accreditation is a comprehensive program review by the Association for Behavior Analysis International — it evaluates faculty, curriculum, outcomes, and resources. A BACB-approved Verified Course Sequence (VCS) simply means the coursework meets the BACB’s content requirements. All ABAI-accredited programs include a VCS, but not all VCS programs are ABAI-accredited. Accredited programs may have streamlined certification paths and are generally considered higher quality.

Do I need a specific bachelor’s degree to enter an ABA master’s program?

Most programs accept students from any undergraduate background, though psychology, education, social work, and speech-language pathology are common feeder degrees. Some programs require prerequisite courses (introduction to psychology, statistics, research methods). A background in working with individuals with disabilities strengthens your application.

Is a doctoral degree worth it for ABA?

A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) is valuable if you want to conduct research, teach at the university level, or pursue senior leadership positions. For clinical practice, a master’s degree with BCBA certification is sufficient and more cost-effective. Many successful BCBAs practice their entire career with a master’s degree. The doctoral degree adds 3–4 years and may not significantly increase clinical earning potential.

Take our matching quiz to find ABA providers near you — many clinics offer fieldwork supervision for graduate students pursuing BCBA certification.