ABA Scholarships
If you’re pursuing studies and training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or working with people affected by autism and communication disorders, there are numerous scholarship, grant, and funding opportunities out there—both internal (university/departmental) and external. There are also autism-related scholarship and assistance programs that support individuals on the spectrum or those providing services (therapies, interventions) for them. While deadlines and eligibility vary widely (some are fixed annually, some depend on program admission), applying early and broadly gives you the best shot at securing funding.
Scholarships
Autism Recovery Foundation ABA Scholarship
Amount: Varies
For students working toward BCBA or BCaBA certification (i.e. in behavior analysis track). Students must work in autism or applied behavior analysis in Minnesota.
Visit scholarship: Autism Recovery Foundation ABA Scholarship
Deadline: July 1 for Fall, November 1 for Spring
Applied Behavior Consultants Scholarship at Sacramento State
Amount: $250
Helps students with interest in behavior analysis (psychology major), juniors, seniors, or graduate students. Must have a 2.0 GPA to apply.
Visit scholarship: via the Sacramento State “Scholarships” PDF (Applied Behavior Consultants Scholarship) (Sacramento State)
Deadline: March
Department of Applied Behavioral Science Scholarships at University of Kansas
Amount: Varies
The KU Department offers “scholarship assistance for a deserving undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in the department.
Visit scholarship: KU Applied Behavioral Science Awards & Funding (absc.ku.edu)
Deadline: The KU page does not list firm external deadlines; you must check with KU’s departmental scholarship office each year.
UW (University of Washington) ABA Online Program Diversity Scholarship
Amount: Up to $8,000
For students in their online ABA program; focuses on diversity, equity, underrepresented communities. (This is specific to their ABA program, not all undergraduates).
Visit scholarship: UW ABA Online Program Diversity Scholarship
Deadline: Can apply after you are admitted to the program
UOregon ABA Scholarships / Funding
Amount: Varies
The University of Oregon’s College of Education has scholarship and funding opportunities for students pursuing ABA-related academic paths.
Visit scholarship: UOregon ABA Scholarships & Funding
Deadline: The page references general COE scholarship application timelines; you’ll have to check their academic year deadlines (often early in the calendar year).
University of North Texas – Donald L. Whaley Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
For graduate students working toward a master’s in behavior analysis in UNT’s College of Health & Public Service.
Visit scholarship: Donald L. Whaley Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: The UNT scholarship pages do not list a fixed deadline; eligibility and deadlines are managed by the department.
University of North Texas – Grace of a Miracle Scholarship
Amount: $500-$1,000
For graduate or undergraduate students in behavior analysis with a GPA of 2.5 or above. Special preference given to those committed to working with children with autism.
Visit scholarship: Grace of a Miracle Scholarship
Deadline: Not publicly posted; coordinate with UNT’s Department of Behavior Analysis.
University of South Florida – Project MABAS
Amount: Up to 6 semesters of in-state tuition
Students admitted to the USF ABA master’s programs can apply to Project MABAS, which includes a full tuition scholarship, monthly stipend, and additional training in children’s mental health.
Visit scholarship: Project MABAS
Deadline: Not explicitly stated; prospective and admitted students receive the application form in their program orientation or first week.
William James College ABA Positive Outcomes Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
A merit-based scholarship of $10,000 for students in William James College’s MA in Applied Behavior Analysis. All applicants are considered (no separate application).
Visit scholarship: ABA Positive Outcomes Scholarship
Deadline: The scholarship is awarded at the time of admission (i.e. applicants will be notified in their admission letter).
Baylor University MSEd in ABA – Tuition Scholarship / Project PEACE
Amount: Varies
All students admitted to Baylor’s MSEd with a concentration in ABA are considered for significant tuition scholarships. Also, Project PEACE offers additional funding (e.g. tuition support, monthly stipends) for students focusing on challenging behavior in school settings.
Visit scholarship: Project PEACE
Deadline: Specific deadlines vary by Baylor’s graduate admissions schedule; check Baylor’s graduate program for the current cycle.
OAR Scholarship Program (Organization for Autism Research)
Amount: $3,000
Scholarships of $3,000 awarded to students on the autism spectrum pursuing postsecondary education (undergraduate, trade school, etc.).
Visit scholarship: OAR Program
Deadline / Application Cycle: Application cycle will open in December for the upcoming academic year.