Last updated: March 6, 2026

Best ABA Programs by State (2026)

Find the top Applied Behavior Analysis programs in your state. Each guide covers every accredited program, behavior analyst licensure requirements, salary data, and workforce context.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington — Seattle

Key Takeaways

  • There are over 500 ABA programs across the United States at the bachelor's, master's, and certificate levels, preparing students for BCaBA and BCBA certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
  • As of 2024, there are over 67,000 active BCBAs and 190,000 active RBTs in the United States, with demand continuing to outpace supply in most states — the BLS projects 19% job growth through 2034.
  • Behavior analyst licensure requirements vary by state. 40 states plus D.C. now regulate the practice of behavior analysis, with most requiring BACB certification (BCBA or BCaBA) plus a state license.
  • Starting January 2026, the BACB handles coursework verification directly through a new attestation system, replacing the ABAI VCS process. Programs with ABAI accreditation provide the most streamlined path to certification.
  • The national median salary for the BLS category covering behavior analysts is $59,190, but BCBA-certified professionals typically earn $75,000–$100,000+ depending on state, setting, and experience level.

Every state has different ABA programs, licensure requirements, salary ranges, and workforce needs. Our state-by-state guides go beyond program lists to cover what actually matters: tuition costs across bachelor's and master's programs, the exact credentials you need to practice in your state, how much behavior analysts actually earn in your area, and whether the state's insurance mandate creates strong demand for ABA professionals.

The field of Applied Behavior Analysis has grown rapidly over the past decade, driven primarily by autism spectrum diagnosis rates and expanding insurance coverage for ABA therapy. The BACB reports over 67,000 active BCBAs nationally, but demand still significantly exceeds supply in most regions. Click on your state below to see every accredited ABA program, licensure details, salary data, and practical advice on choosing the right program for your goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is the academic discipline and therapeutic approach. BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) is the professional certification you earn after completing an ABA master's program, accumulating supervised experience hours, and passing the BACB certification exam. Think of ABA as the field and BCBA as the credential. People search for both terms when looking for programs, but they lead to the same degrees.
Not all, but the vast majority do. As of 2024, 40 states plus Washington D.C. regulate the practice of behavior analysis through licensure or registration. In most regulated states, you need both BACB certification (BCBA or BCaBA) and a state-issued license or registration. The remaining states may have title protection or no regulation at all. Our state-by-state guides detail the exact requirements for each state.
Yes. The BACB does not distinguish between online and on-campus coursework — what matters is that your program meets BACB curriculum requirements, ideally through ABAI accreditation or the new BACB attestation system. The supervised fieldwork component (1,500–2,000 hours) must be completed in person at an approved site, but all academic coursework can be done online. See our best online ABA programs ranking for top picks.
Excellent. The BLS projects 19% growth in behavioral health roles through 2034, far above the average for all occupations. The BACB reports over 67,000 active BCBAs and 190,000 active RBTs nationally, with demand continuing to exceed supply in most states. Autism spectrum diagnosis rates, expanding insurance mandates for ABA therapy, and growing applications in education and organizational settings all contribute to strong long-term demand.
Costs vary widely by program type and institution. ABA master's programs range from about $15,000 at affordable public universities to $45,000+ at private schools. Bachelor's programs in ABA or related fields can cost as little as $8,000–$15,000 at public institutions or $60,000+ at private universities. Online programs often offer competitive rates regardless of residency. Financial aid, graduate assistantships, and employer tuition partnerships can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.