The University of Arizona offers multiple plans to help employees create a financially secure retirement.
Mandatory Retirement Plans
Most university employees who work at least 20 hours a week (.50 FTE) for 20 or more weeks within a fiscal year must participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) or Optional Retirement Program (ORP)*. Employees have 30 days from their hire/eligibility date to select. This selection is irrevocable. Any employees who do not choose this 30-day window will default irrevocably into the ASRS.
Regardless of your retirement plan, you may schedule complimentary, virtual, or on-campus appointments with ABOR-approved investment providers, Fidelity Investments, or TIAA. You can also meet with CAPTRUST, an unbiased fiduciary, to help you choose a plan.
*Exemptions include UAPD, postdoctoral research associates, and nonresident aliens. UAPD public safety officers participate in the State of Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS). The employer makes a matching contribution, and full vesting occurs after 10 years of participation in the program.
Mandatory Plan Choices
Quick Downloads: How to Enroll | Mandatory Retirement Plans Comparison - 2024 | Updated for 2025 Mandatory Retirement Plans Comparison - 2025
Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
ASRS is a defined benefit plan. More about ASRS
Required contribution rate:
12.29% in FY 24 (pre-tax)
12.27% in FY 25 (pre-tax)
University match? Yes
Additional contributions? No
Waiting period: 27 weeks before contributions begin for new members
Investment choices: Managed by State of Arizona
Retirement benefit: Guaranteed monthly pension for life. The amount is based on years of service and average monthly salary. Learn more about how the pension is calculated.
Loans/Hardship withdrawals: None
Enter this Enrollment Code: 69V00040
Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
ORP is a defined contribution plan. More about ORP
Required contribution rate: Fixed at 7% (pre-tax)
University match? Yes
Additional contributions? No
Waiting period: None. Contributions begin the pay period after enrollment
Investment choices: Managed by employee
Retirement benefit: The amount that accrues in the employee’s account. This depends on the market performance of chosen investments.
Loans/Hardship withdrawals: None
Fidelity Investments, Plan ID: 67444
TIAA, Access Code: AZQ192
Compensation/Contribution Limits for Mandatory Plans
| ASRS/PSPRS Annual Compensation Limits | ORP Annual Contribution Limits | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contributions are suspended once an employee has earned the following amount in one year: | Employee and employer can each contribute up to the following amounts: | ||||
| Fiscal year | If hired & enrolled by June 30, 1996 | If hired & enrolled after June 30, 1996 | Calendar year | If hired & enrolled by June 30, 1996 | If hired & enrolled after June 30, 1996 |
| FY24 | $490,000 | $330,000 | 2023 | $33,000 | $23,100 |
| FY25 | $505,000 | $345,000 | 2024 | $34,500 | $24,150 |
Supplemental Retirement Plans
All university employees, including those not eligible for the ASRS or ORP, can participate in these voluntary supplemental retirement plans to save more for retirement. Employees may enroll in either or both the Arizona University System 403(b) Plan or the State of Arizona 457(b) Plan.
Note: You may open or update your voluntary supplemental plans anytime, not just during benefits open enrollment. All University of Arizona employees can participate in the Voluntary 403(b) Plan and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.
Supplemental Plan Choices
Quick Downloads: Supplemental Retirement Plans Comparison
403(B) Plan
The 403(b) is a retirement account where you choose from a mix of investment options. Withdrawals are permitted upon separation or after age 59½. 403(B) Guide
Investment providers: Fidelity Investments or TIAA.
Minimum contribution: $5/pay period
Rollovers into the plan: Allowed
Loans/Hardship withdrawals: Allowed
| Traditional 403(b) | Roth 403(b) | |
| Contributions: | Tax free | Post-tax |
| Withdrawals: | Pre-tax Taxable | Tax free |
Plan ID: 55468
Enroll online using the button below or contact the Fidelity or TIAA representatives.
457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
The 457(b) is a deferred compensation plan similar to a retirement account, but you may withdraw funds without penalty upon separation from service, regardless of your age. 457(B) Guide (VIDEO)
Investment provider: Nationwide
Minimum contribution: $10/pay period
Rollovers into the plan: Allowed
Loans/Hardship withdrawals: Allowed
| Traditional 457(b) | Roth 457(b) | |
| Contributions: | Pre-tax | Post-tax |
| Withdrawals: | Taxable | Tax-free |
Enroll online using the button below or call 800-796-9753.
Maximum Deferral Amount (MDA) Limited for 403(b) and 457(b)
| MDA | Calendar or plan year | |
| 2023 | 2024 | |
| Annual MDA under age 50 | $22,500 | $23,000 |
| Annual MDA if turning 50+ in plan year | $30,000 | $30,500 |
| Catch-up contributions (age 50+) | Contact your investment provider | Contact your investment provider |