CU's 401(a) Retirement Plan

The University of Colorado’s 401(a) plan is a defined contribution plan where an employee’s benefit amount at retirement is limited to the balance in their retirement account from all contributions and investment earnings or losses over the lifetime of their account (minus fees).

Employees contribute 5% of their annual eligible compensation, and CU contributes the equivalent of 10% of of the employee's annual eligible compensation. All funds are invested according to the employee's directive.

First, you need to know your job type. For retirement plan purposes, CU has two types of staff: Faculty and University Staff or Classified Staff. If you’re unsure what your job classification is, you can find it on your offer letter or you can contact your supervisor or the Employee Services Benefits office.

Faculty & University Staff

Eligible University Staff and Faculty will participate in the CU 401(a) plan.

Most will default into this plan, but some with prior PERA-covered government service will be eligible to choose between the PERA Defined Benefit (DB) plan and the CU 401(a) plan.

For placement details, see the Mandatory Retirement Plan Placement Guide for Faculty and University Staff.

Classified Staff

Classified Staff are not eligible for the CU 401(a) plan.

For placement details, see the Classified Staff Placement Guide.