Best ABA Programs in Illinois (2026)
The top accredited Applied Behavior Analysis programs in Illinois — including two ABAI-accredited options at Southern Illinois University and The Chicago School — with tuition, BCBA certification, the state's brand-new LBA licensure, and salary data for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois has two ABAI-accredited ABA programs — Southern Illinois University (on-campus, with tuition-waiving assistantships) and The Chicago School (Chicago campus + fully online) — giving students two streamlined paths to BCBA certification.
- Southern Illinois University is one of the most affordable ABA programs in the country at $510/credit, and every accepted student receives a graduate assistantship that waives all tuition — leaving only books, housing, and fees.
- Illinois launched brand-new behavior analyst licensure on January 15, 2025 through IDFPR — both Licensed Behavior Analysts (LBA) and Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts (LABA) must now hold state licenses, with BCBA/BCaBA certification required.
- The BLS median salary for behavioral health counselors in Illinois is approximately $60,320, with BCBA-certified professionals in the Chicago metro earning $75,000–$95,000+ — and the city ranking as the 4th-largest employer of behavioral health professionals nationally.
- Loyola University Chicago offers all ABA admits a 30% tuition discount on its fully online, asynchronous M.Ed. — completable in 18–24 months with all BCBA-doctoral faculty.
Illinois stands out as a top state for ABA education with two ABAI-accredited programs and a newly established licensure framework. Southern Illinois University is the affordability leader, offering graduate assistantships to every accepted student that cover full tuition — effectively making it a free master's degree in ABA. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology provides ABAI-accredited options on its Chicago campus and fully online, giving students maximum flexibility.
The state's ABA landscape changed significantly in January 2025 when Illinois launched its Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) credential through IDFPR. This means all behavior analysts practicing in Illinois now need a state license in addition to their BACB certification. The initial application fee is $400 for LBAs, with fingerprinting and background checks required.
Chicago's large healthcare market — ranking as the 4th-largest employer of behavioral health counselors nationally — creates strong demand for BCBAs, and programs like Loyola University Chicago and National Louis University train clinicians specifically for this urban market.
Best ABA Programs in Illinois — Accredited Master's & Certificate Programs
All 5 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southern Illinois University — M.S. in Behavior Analysis and Therapy | $510/credit (effectively free with assistantship) | On-campus | |
| 2 | The Chicago School of Professional Psychology — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | ~$16,000/year (~$32,000 total over 2 years) | On-campus | |
| 3 | Loyola University Chicago — M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online) | ~$816/credit after 30% discount (~$24,480 total, 30 credits) | Fully online | |
| 4 | National Louis University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | $715/credit | Hybrid | |
| 5 | Northern Illinois University — Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis | $510/credit | Online and on-campus options |
Southern Illinois University — M.S. in Behavior Analysis and Therapy
In-State
$510/credit (effectively free with assistantship)
Out-of-State
$510/credit (effectively free with assistantship)
Length
2 years
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- ABAI-accredited through December 2028 — the most streamlined path to BCBA certification in Illinois
- Every accepted student receives a graduate assistantship covering full tuition — only books, housing, and fees remain
- Assistantship work includes teaching undergraduate courses or conducting faculty research
- One of the most affordable ABA programs in the entire country when assistantship is factored in
- Long-established program with deep roots in the behavior analysis tradition
- Small cohort sizes ensure individualized mentorship and clinical training
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
In-State
~$16,000/year (~$32,000 total over 2 years)
Out-of-State
~$16,000/year (~$32,000 total)
Length
2–2.5 years (6 consecutive semesters including summers)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- ABAI-accredited on both Chicago campus and online — rare dual-format accreditation
- ABAI accreditation renewed in 2025 for three years, confirming program quality
- Chicago campus offers urban clinical placements with diverse client populations
- Fully online option provides the same ABAI-accredited curriculum with maximum flexibility
- Also offers campuses in Dallas and other cities for multi-location access
- Flat tuition rate regardless of residency — consistent pricing for all students
Loyola University Chicago — M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online)
In-State
~$816/credit after 30% discount (~$24,480 total, 30 credits)
Out-of-State
~$816/credit after 30% discount (~$24,480 total)
Length
18–24 months
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours (completed separately)
Concentrations
- All ABA admits receive a 30% tuition discount for the duration of the program
- Fully online and asynchronous — complete coursework on your own schedule
- All core faculty hold doctoral degrees and BCBA or BCBA-D credentials
- Jesuit university tradition emphasizing ethical practice and social justice
- 30-credit program completable in 18–24 months — efficient path to BCBA eligibility
- 3-credit capstone course focused on fieldwork or practical application
National Louis University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
In-State
$715/credit
Out-of-State
$715/credit
Length
2 years
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- Hybrid format combines online flexibility with in-person faculty interaction
- Chicago Loop campus provides urban clinical training access
- Comprehensive curriculum covering assessment, program design, and staff management
- Competitively priced at $715/credit — less expensive than many Chicago-area programs
- NLU's College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences brings clinical expertise
- Also offers Tampa, FL campus for students in the Southeast
Northern Illinois University — Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
In-State
$510/credit
Out-of-State
$510/credit (online rate)
Length
1–1.5 years (certificate)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours (completed separately)
Concentrations
- Graduate certificate designed for students who already hold a master's degree in a related field
- Provides the BCBA coursework requirement without requiring a second master's degree
- Affordable public university pricing at $510/credit
- Can be combined with NIU's M.S.Ed. in Special Education for a full degree
- Ideal for teachers, psychologists, or counselors adding BCBA certification to their credentials
- Northern Illinois location with access to Chicago-area clinical placements
Illinois Behavior Analyst Licensure Requirements (LBA — New as of 2025)
Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA)
Issued by: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
- Current, valid BCBA certification from the BACB (required for LBA; BCaBA for LABA)
- Master's degree or higher in behavior analysis, psychology, education, or a related field
- Passing the BCBA certification exam (through BACB)
- Fingerprinting and criminal background check
- Application fee: $400 for LBA, $100 for LABA
- All applications submitted through IDFPR's CORE online licensing system
- Licensure effective January 15, 2025 — enforcement began April 21, 2025
Renewal
Biennial renewal (all licenses expire October 31 of odd years). 30 CEUs required for LBAs, 20 CEUs for LABAs. First licensure period may be less than 2 years.
Behavior Analyst Salary in Illinois
Illinois ABA Job Market and Workforce Demand
BLS Employment
14,710
Projected Growth
19% nationally through 2034
Top Employers
Trumpet Behavioral Health, Hopebridge, Autism Home Support Services, Easter Seals, Easterseals Midwest, Chicago Public Schools
Sources
- ABAI — Verified Course Sequence Directory
- BACB — Certificant Data and Exam Pass Rates
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Behavior Analysts
- BACB — U.S. Licensure of Behavior Analysts by State
- NCES College Navigator — U.S. Department of Education