Planning for Your Retirement
Tulane University offers a comprehensive 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.
Enroll or Get Help
Enroll in Tulane’s retirement plans or adjust your contribution amount by accessing your TIAA account. Log in using your Tulane credentials, select Manage Contributions under the Actions menu, and choose Manage My Contributions. For step-by-step guidance, download our Tulane Retirement Overview PDF.
Prefer one-on-one help? Schedule a consultation with a TIAA representative any time—sessions are available in person or virtually.
- Representative: Louis Bundy | Phone: 1-866-843-5640 | Schedule a consultation
- TIAA Customer Service: 1-800-842-2776 | tiaa.org/public/support/contact-tiaa
- Self-Directed Auto-Increment: Set automatic increases to your contribution rate on a schedule you choose within your TIAA account.
- Maximize Your Contribution: You can elect the IRS annual maximum; contributions automatically stop at the limit and resume the following year.
- Investment Guidance: Review investment options or connect with a TIAA advisor via your online portal.
- 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 in the Staff 403(b) Plan or the Faculty & Administrative 403(b) Plan with TIAA Investments.
- Remember to add or update your beneficiaries in both Employee Self-Service and your TIAA account.
Eligibility to withdraw
- You are age 59½ or older at the time of request; or
- Your employment with Tulane has ended (voluntary or involuntary).
457(b) plan: In-service withdrawals are not allowed. You must be fully terminated from the university. The age 59½ rule does not apply to 457(b) withdrawals.
How to request a withdrawal (TIAA)
- Call 1-800-842-2776 to request the appropriate forms.
- Complete and sign all forms. If married, your spouse’s signature must be notarized or witnessed by a plan administrator in HR (appointment required via tubenefits@tulane.edu).
- Return forms to TIAA (HR can submit on your behalf if preferred).
- TIAA will contact HR; HR approves the request via the online portal.
Hardship withdrawals
Available only from the Tax-Deferral 403(b) plan and subject to IRS rules. For details, contact HR at (504) 865-4748 or hr@tulane.edu.
Tax-Deferral Plan 403(b) (employee-funded)
All employees are eligible on day one; contributions are made via payroll deduction.
- Universal Availability Notice — 403(b)
- Summary Plan Description — Employee Contributions
- Investment Notice
- Changes to the TIAA Self-Directed Brokerage Account
Staff Retirement Plan 403(b) (university-funded)
Eligible after 2 consecutive years with at least 975 hours each year. Upon enrollment, Tulane contributes 8% of base salary.
Faculty & Administrative Plan 403(b) (university-funded)
Eligible after 2 consecutive years with at least 975 hours each year. Upon enrollment, Tulane contributes up to 10% of base salary (percentage varies by salary tier).
457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (employee-funded)
Eligible if currently earning or expected to earn $260,000 in the current year; contributions via payroll deduction.
