10 Cheapest & Best Online ABA Certificate Programs in 2025

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a psychology discipline that focuses on helping people with behavioral changes to alter their actions, particularly people with autism. Students with psychology degrees can earn an applied behavior analysis certificate to develop the new skills needed to work in this field.

Learn more about some of the most affordable online graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis programs available from accredited universities.

What Is a Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis?

A certificate in applied behavioral analysis is an educational program that focuses solely on the skills needed to work in ABA. These programs are generally much shorter than a standard degree and are designed to expand on previous education. Most ABA programs are designed to be completed after a bachelor's degree or a graduate degree program, and coursework is made for learners with real-world, field experience.

Can You Get ABA-Certified Online?

Yes, you can complete online applied behavior analysis certificate programs approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). These programs sometimes have different admission requirements from fully on-campus programs.

How Much Does an ABA Certificate Cost?

Enrollment in an applied behavior analysis online certificate program costs between $10,000 and $15,000 on average. Some programs' total costs include supplies and textbook costs, while others might end up costing more due to additional requirements. Furthermore, many of these programs have financial aid opportunities that can reduce costs, such as scholarships and grants.

How Long Is an Online ABA Certificate Program?

The length of time it takes to complete online ABA certificate programs varies based on a few key factors, but most can be completed in around six semesters. Factors that can change your certificate program's timeline include enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time), total credits required, and whether the program is synchronous or asynchronous.

Cheapest ABA Certificates Online

Some of the best online ABA certificate programs are also among the most affordable. Learn more about these programs to find your best pathway to becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

1. University of Massachusetts Global

The University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) offers a fully online ABA program that is part of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) course sequence program. Students at UMass Global complete seven total courses, with each course lasting around eight weeks.

Admission requirements for this program include employment in a career that uses ABA, such as education, social work, or occupational therapy.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,300
• Financial aid: UMass students can qualify for assistance by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and applying for school-offered scholarships and grants.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. University of Kansas

The University of Kansas applied behavior analysis certificate online program is delivered in an asynchronous format with 16-week courses. Students will meet with academic advisors to make sure they are reaching their educational goals. This program is designed to highlight flexibility, allowing students to complete coursework around their other responsibilities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,611
• Financial aid: Students can qualify for federal and state-based aid to supplement their school-provided aid packages.
• Accreditation: Higher Learnign Commission (HLC)

3. University of Arkansas

Students can apply for the University of Arkansas certificate in applied behavior analysis without a GRE score. This year-long course includes 21 credits of work delivered fully online. Students without a master's degree can add this certificate to their University of Arkansas graduate degree to help them qualify for the BCBA certification exam.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,639
• Financial aid: The University of Arkansas offers multiple school-specific scholarships to supplement FAFSA-based aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Southern Maine

The graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis from the University of Southern Maine (USM) can be completed in around 15 months. Students can begin in either the spring, summer, or winter semesters to begin their fully online program. This program is designed to accommodate working professionals and their busy schedules with night classes and asynchronous coursework.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,975
• Financial aid: USM students receive over $30 million yearly in school-provided grants and scholarships, and this program qualifies for FAFSA.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

5. Ball State University

Ball State University has a 15-credit, ABAI-verified online ABA certificate program. Students are required to have a master's degree, but there is no requirement for the subject of that degree. Students can enroll in both eight- and 16-week courses to find the best schedule that fits their needs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,575
• Financial aid: Ball State has multiple school-offered grants and scholarships that combine with federal programs.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Florida Institute of Technology

The Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) has an ABA program for master's degree holders and the school offers multiple graduate programs for students who need a degree first. This program is designed to prepare students for the BCBA exam and can lead to licensure in multiple states. Coursework in this online program is delivered asynchronously.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,130
• Financial aid: Students at Florida Tech can qualify for school, state, and federal aid after submitting their FAFSA forms, drastically reducing total costs.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

7. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) has a 21-credit graduate-level ABA certificate online program. This program fully prepares students for BCBA certification and licensure in Arizona, but it may not be eligible in every state. Most coursework is delivered asynchronously, but there are some scheduled courses with live discussions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,503
• Financial aid: Students at ASU can qualify for federal and state grants as well as third-party scholarships and grants to reduce costs. There are also payment plan options to spread costs out without having to apply for loans.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma's online ABA certificate is offered in a 100% online, synchronous format. This program is 21 total credits, including electives to prepare students for specific career paths. This program does meet BCBA certification exam eligibility requirements, but this application must be handled separately by the student.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,075
• Financial aid: The University of Oklahoma has a wide array of school-offered scholarships and accepts FAFSA-based aid packages.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota (UND) has an asynchronous online ABA certificate. This 22-credit program is usually completed in about 12 to 16 months. Students can participate in a 15-hour practicum that allows them to gain hands-on experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,950
• Financial aid: UND students can qualify for federal, state, and school-provided aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Lehigh University

Lehigh University offers a 21-credit certificate program for ABA students. This fully online program takes most students between 16 and 24 months to complete. The school offers an online Master of Education in behavior analysis that can be paired with this certificate for students who don't already have a master's degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,860
• Financial aid: Lehigh students can qualify for federal and state aid. There is also a large tuition discount for Pennsylvania-based educators.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

How We Rank Schools

To ensure we recommend high-quality and affordable schools, we use three criteria. These guidelines are applied to each school before they are included in our lists.

• Accreditation: Each program is regionally accredited and aligns with BCBA exam recommendations. This ensures your education will be respected and can lead to licensure.
• Affordability: Every program on this list was chosen because it has either low initial tuition rates or large financial aid options, which can reduce total costs below $10,000.
• Program reputation: These programs were also chosen based on how they are viewed by third-party publications, like U.S. News & World Report, as well as how they align with ABAI guidelines.

What To Expect From an Affordable Online ABA Certificate

ABA certificate programs are fairly similar from school to school due to ABAI guidelines. Most programs are between 21 and 24 credits and can be completed in 12 to 24 months. Coursework is delivered fully online with combinations of asynchronous and synchronous formats.

Some schools require a master's degree in specific fields, but nearly all programs require at a minimum a bachelor's degree.

FAQs About Low-Cost ABA Certificates

Students often have questions about ABA certificates, especially due to their specialty field of study. Common questions are about value, requirements, and whether you can earn a certificate for free.

Is an Online ABA Certificate Worth It?

Yes, these certificate programs are worth it for people looking to expand their education and advance their careers. These certificates are almost exclusively used to build upon previous education, but they are a great way for educators, therapists, and social workers looking to develop new skills.

What Can You Do With an ABA Certificate?

ABA certificate holders can begin work as behavioral analysts in diverse fields, including behavioral treatment therapy, organizational management, and more. These certificates are often earned by professionals in special education, social work, and addiction therapy.

What Are the Requirements To Obtain an Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate?

The most common requirements to earn an ABA certificate include a master's or bachelor's degree and maintaining a minimum GPA in certificate coursework. Students will also need to pass additional examinations that are offered by the ABAI.

How Can I Get an ABA Certificate Online for Free?

There are no free ABA certificate programs available from accredited schools. Students can use FAFSA results and apply for other financial aid packages to reduce their costs, but they will likely incur additional costs, such as supplies and online fees.

How Can I Become ABA-Certified Without a Degree?

Becoming a BCBA requires a college degree in addition to certification. However, there is a position called a registered behavior technician (RBT), which does similar work to a BCBA, but works in a more front-line capacity and has a lower ceiling for career advancement within the field of behavioral analysis.

Discover Online Certificate Programs

Learn more about online certificate programs in ABA and more with our articles and resources. Find the best program for your goals and learn what you need to do to request information and start your application process today.