How to Get Stipends for ABA Students in the U.S.

Shaping Scholars
Jul 6
3 min read

Pursuing a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is incredibly rewarding—but it can also be financially challenging. Between tuition, certification costs, textbooks, supervision, and unpaid fieldwork, many students struggle to balance their education with their finances.

The good news is that stipends and financial support opportunities do exist. While they may not always be advertised under the term "stipend," there are several funding options available for students pursuing careers as Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) or Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).

At Shaping Super Scholars Foundation (SSSF), our mission is to remove financial barriers and help develop the next generation of ABA professionals. Here's what every ABA student should know.

What Is an ABA Student Stipend?

A stipend is financial assistance provided to help students cover educational or living expenses while completing their training. Unlike student loans, stipends typically do not need to be repaid.

Depending on the program, a stipend may help cover:

Tuition
Books and course materials
Living expenses
Clinical training costs
Certification exam fees
Conference attendance
Professional development

1. Apply for Scholarships

Many nonprofit organizations, universities, and foundations offer scholarships specifically for students entering healthcare, education, psychology, or behavior analysis.

When searching, look for:

ABA scholarships
Autism-related scholarships
Healthcare workforce scholarships
Graduate education scholarships
Community foundation scholarships

Scholarships often consider:

Academic achievement
Financial need
Personal essays
Community involvement
Commitment to serving underserved communities

2. Look for Employer-Sponsored Tuition Assistance

Many ABA providers invest in developing future clinicians.

Some employers may offer:

Tuition reimbursement
BCBA supervision
Certification bonuses
Paid fieldwork opportunities
Professional development funds

If you're already working as an RBT, ask your employer whether they provide educational assistance for employees pursuing advanced credentials.

3. Explore University Funding

Students enrolled in master's or doctoral programs may qualify for:

Graduate assistantships
Research assistant positions
Teaching assistantships
Clinical assistant roles

These positions often provide:

Monthly stipends
Tuition reductions
Valuable professional experience

Funding opportunities vary by university, so it's worth speaking with your graduate program coordinator early in the application process.

4. Check State and Local Workforce Programs

Some states offer workforce development grants for high-demand healthcare professions.

Depending on your location, you may find support through:

Workforce development agencies
Regional education grants
Healthcare workforce initiatives
Community colleges
Professional associations

These programs change regularly, so checking local resources each year is recommended.

5. Join Professional Organizations

Organizations focused on behavior analysis and autism services often provide:

Student scholarships
Conference travel awards
Research grants
Leadership programs
Networking opportunities

Membership can also help you learn about funding opportunities before application deadlines.

6. Build a Strong Scholarship Application

Regardless of where you apply, strong applications typically include:

A compelling personal statement
Clear career goals
Academic achievements
Volunteer or work experience
Letters of recommendation
A commitment to serving individuals with autism and related disabilities

Your personal story matters. Scholarship committees often want to understand not only your qualifications but also why you're passionate about the field.

How Shaping Super Scholars Foundation Supports Future ABA Professionals

At Shaping Super Scholars Foundation (SSSF), we believe financial barriers should never prevent passionate individuals from entering the ABA profession.

Our mission is to strengthen the future ABA workforce by supporting students who demonstrate dedication, compassion, and a commitment to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families.

Our initiatives include: