Last updated: March 9, 2026

ABA Programs in Indiana (2026)

Indiana is home to Ball State University's ABA program — the largest in the entire country by enrollment — with among the highest BCBA first-attempt pass rates for high-enrolled programs. Combined with Purdue's online option and Midwest affordability, Indiana punches far above its weight in behavior analysis education.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

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

ABA Programs in Indiana (2026)

Key Takeaways

  • Ball State University runs the largest ABA program in the nation — with ABAI-verified coursework, flexible 8-week and 16-week online formats, and among the highest BCBA first-attempt pass rates for high-enrolled programs nationally.
  • Ball State's autism-focused emphasis is particularly strong — the M.A. in ABA with Emphasis in Autism prepares graduates specifically for the highest-demand ABA population, and at $750/credit for just 21 credits, the total cost is approximately $15,750.
  • Purdue University offers an online M.S.Ed. in ABA with synchronous and asynchronous components — carrying the Purdue brand and a more research-intensive 44-credit curriculum.
  • Indiana's behavior analyst licensure launched in 2021 through the Professional Licensing Agency — with administrative rules still being finalized as of early 2025, reflecting the state's evolving regulatory framework.
  • The BLS median for behavioral health counselors in Indiana is approximately $45,610, but BCBA-certified professionals earn significantly more — $63,000–$80,000 in the Indianapolis metro — with Indiana's low cost of living making these salaries highly competitive.

Ball State University dominates Indiana's ABA landscape — and arguably the national one. It's the largest ABA program in the country by enrollment, and its BCBA first-attempt pass rate is among the highest for programs of its size. The program's autism emphasis, 8-week course format, and $750/credit tuition make it accessible to working professionals nationwide.

Purdue University offers a complementary option with its online M.S.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis. At 44 credits, it's a more extensive program than Ball State's 21-credit master's, with a stronger research component and the Purdue brand. The trade-off is higher total cost and longer completion time.

Indiana's licensing framework is still relatively new. The state passed licensure legislation in 2021, and the Professional Licensing Agency's Behavior Analyst Committee is finalizing administrative rules as of early 2025. Current requirements center on BCBA certification, with a $100 application fee for LBAs. The regulatory environment is expected to stabilize as rules are completed, providing clearer guidance for new graduates.

Ball State & Purdue: Indiana's Two ABA Powerhouses

School Tuition (In-State) Format Length Accreditation
Ball State University — M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis, Emphasis in Autism (Online) $750/credit (~$15,750 total, 21 credits) Fully online (8-week and 16-week course formats) 1–1.5 years ABAI-Verified; BACB-Aligned; CEC-Recognized
Purdue University — M.S.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online) ~$500–$600/credit (~$22,000–$26,400 total, 44 credits) Fully online (synchronous and asynchronous) 2 years BACB-Aligned

Ball State University — M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis, Emphasis in Autism (Online)

Muncie (Online)

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$750/credit (~$15,750 total, 21 credits)

Out-of-State

$750/credit (~$15,750 total)

Format

Fully online (8-week and 16-week course formats)

Full-Time

1–1.5 years

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (completed separately)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis with Emphasis in Autism — autism intervention, behavioral assessment, ethical practice

  • Largest ABA program in the nation by enrollment — massive alumni network and employer recognition
  • Among the highest BCBA first-attempt pass rates for high-enrolled programs nationally
  • Just 21 credits at $750/credit — approximately $15,750 total, one of the most affordable options anywhere
  • Flexible 8-week and 16-week online course formats — accelerate or pace yourself
  • ABAI-verified course sequence + CEC (Council for Exceptional Children) recognition
  • Autism emphasis aligns with the highest-demand area of ABA practice
  • Lower GPA requirement (2.75) than most ABA programs — more accessible entry point
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 2.75

Purdue University — M.S.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online)

West Lafayette (Online)

Online Available

In-State Tuition

~$500–$600/credit (~$22,000–$26,400 total, 44 credits)

Out-of-State

~$500–$600/credit (~$22,000–$26,400 total)

Format

Fully online (synchronous and asynchronous)

Full-Time

2 years

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (completed separately)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — principles and foundations of ABA, behavioral research, intervention design

  • Purdue's brand recognition — one of the most recognized public university names nationally
  • 44-credit program provides deeper preparation than many shorter ABA programs
  • College of Education's strong research tradition adds analytical depth to clinical training
  • Synchronous and asynchronous online components — flexibility with some real-time interaction
  • Purdue also offers a 21-credit online ABA certificate at $420/credit for those with existing master's
  • No GRE required — streamlined admissions process
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Indiana Behavior Analyst Licensing (2021 — Rules in Development)

Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA)

Issued by: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA)

  • Current BCBA certification from the BACB in good standing
  • Application fee: $100 for LBA, $75 for LABA
  • Master's degree in behavior analysis, psychology, education, or a related field
  • Licensure legislation passed in 2021 — administrative rules being finalized as of early 2025
  • LABAs must hold BCaBA certification and maintain a signed supervision contract with a licensed LBA

Renewal

All LBA and LABA licenses expire December 31 of odd years. Once renewed, licenses are valid for two years. LABAs must submit a written record of supervision provided by their supervising LBA during the renewal period.

Visit Licensing Board →

BCBA Salaries in Indianapolis & Across Indiana

BLS Median

$45,610

Entry Level

$35,000–$42,000

Experienced

$63,000–$80,000 (BCBA-certified, Indianapolis metro)

Top Earners

$85,000–$105,000+ (clinical directors, multi-site supervisors)

Indiana's BLS median of approximately $45,610 for the broader behavioral health counselor category is below the national average, but this reflects the state's lower overall wage structure — not weak demand for BCBAs. BCBA-certified professionals in Indianapolis typically earn $63,000–$80,000, which buys significantly more in Indiana than equivalent salaries in coastal cities. Indiana's cost of living is approximately 10–15% below the national average, making a $70,000 BCBA salary in Indianapolis equivalent to $85,000+ in Chicago or $95,000+ in Boston in purchasing power.

ABA Job Growth in the Hoosier State

BLS Employment

6,730

Projected Growth

19% nationally through 2034

Top Employers

Hopebridge (headquartered in Indianapolis), Trumpet Behavioral Health, Behavioral Health Associates, Indiana University Health, Riley Hospital for Children

Indiana's ABA job market benefits from having Hopebridge — one of the largest ABA providers in the country — headquartered in Indianapolis. This creates a natural pipeline for Ball State and Purdue graduates. Riley Hospital for Children (part of IU Health) is the state's premier pediatric institution and employs behavior analysts in both clinical and research roles. National providers like Trumpet Behavioral Health have also established significant Indiana operations. The state's new licensing framework (2021) is still maturing, but the demand for BCBA-certified professionals is strong and growing, particularly in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Bloomington.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ball State's 21-credit M.A. is designed efficiently to provide exactly the coursework needed for BCBA exam eligibility, plus the autism emphasis coursework, without padding the credit count. This keeps the total cost low (~$15,750) and the completion time short (1–1.5 years). If you want a more research-intensive experience with more credits, Purdue's 44-credit M.S.Ed. provides deeper preparation. Both meet BACB coursework requirements.
Ball State's outcome data shows it has among the highest BCBA first-attempt pass rates for high-enrolled programs nationally. Small programs often report higher pass rates because of selection effects, but Ball State achieves strong results at massive scale — which is more meaningful. Check Ball State's published student outcome data for the most current pass rate figures.
Indiana passed licensure legislation in 2021, and the Professional Licensing Agency is accepting applications. However, administrative rules are still being finalized as of early 2025. Current requirements center on BCBA certification with a $100 application fee. The regulatory framework will stabilize as rules are completed — in the meantime, holding BCBA certification is the essential credential.
If you already hold a master's degree, Purdue offers a 21-credit online graduate certificate in ABA at $420/credit — providing BCBA coursework without requiring a second master's degree. Ball State also offers a graduate certificate option. Both certificates provide the BACB-required coursework while assuming you meet the degree requirement through your existing credentials.
Strong. A BCBA earning $70,000 in Indianapolis has purchasing power equivalent to approximately $85,000 in Chicago, $95,000 in Boston, or $100,000+ in New York. Indiana's cost of living — particularly for housing — is 10–15% below the national average. Combined with Indiana's flat 3.05% state income tax rate and no local income tax in most areas, the effective take-home pay is highly competitive.