Planning for Your Retirement
Tulane University offers a retirement package comprised of four plans: three 403(b) plans and one 457(b) plan. Below is an at-a-glance summary of eligibility, enrollment, and key provisions.
Prefer a printable version? Download the PDF chart.
If you have questions about your retirement options, contact the Office of Human Resources at tubenefits@tulane.edu.
| Benefit | Tax Deferred Annuity Plan 403(b) | Staff Plan 403(b) | Faculty & Administrative Plan 403(b) | 457(b) Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who’s Eligible? | All employees | Staff employees | Faculty and Administrative employees | Employees currently earning or expected to earn $260,000 during the current year |
| When Are You Eligible? | Day one of employment | After two consecutive years of employment with at least 975 hours each year | When you meet or are expected to meet the salary threshold | |
| Contributions | Employee funded | University funded | University funded | Employee funded |
| University Contribution | N/A | 8% of base salary | Employees earning < $80,000: 8% + an additional 2% if the participant voluntarily contributes 2% Employees earning > $80,000: 10% (a 2% participant contribution is mandatory) | N/A |
| Vesting | 100% vested when the account is opened | N/A | ||
| 2025 IRS Maximum Contribution* | Up to $23,500 annually. Age 50+: additional $7,500. Ages 60–63: additional $11,250 instead of $7,500. | N/A Compensation limit is $345,000. | $23,500 for 2025. Within 3 years of normal retirement age (65): may contribute up to twice the annual limit for each of those three years. | |
| Tax Status | 100% tax deferred | |||
| Withdrawal Provisions | Age 59½ or termination (voluntary or involuntary) | Termination (voluntary or involuntary) | ||
| Loan Provisions | Permitted — restrictions apply | Not Permitted | ||
| Investment Options | TIAA Investments | TIAA Investments | ||
| Asset Allocation & Transfers | Participants may change fund allocations per company rules. Transfers from one investment company to another are limited to once per year. | Asset allocations only | ||
*Subject to IRS regulations.
How to Enroll
Enroll in the retirement plans or change your contribution amount by accessing your TIAA account at hr.tulane.edu/benefits/retirement and select Access Your TIAA Account. After logging in with your Tulane credentials, choose Manage Contributions under the Actions menu, then select Manage My Contributions.
Things to Consider
- Elections or changes to the Tax Deferred Annuity (TDA) 403(b) take effect immediately for the current year.
- Following your two-year anniversary, you are automatically enrolled into the Staff 403(b) Plan or the Faculty & Administrative 403(b) Plan with TIAA Investments.
- Please remember to add your beneficiaries in both Employee Self-Service and your TIAA account.
Need a printable copy? Download the PDF chart.
