PERA 401(k) | University of Colorado

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All eligible employees can enroll in the PERA 401(k) plan. This is a defined contribution plan that employees can choose whether to contribute funds before or after tax.

The pretax option lowers your taxable income now. You'll pay taxes on your distributions in retirement.
The 401(k) offers a ROTH option. Consider the ROTH option if you want to contribute after tax, allowing for tax-free growth and tax-free distributions in retirement.

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Enroll in the 401(k)

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Enrollment guide

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Plan Features	401(k) pretax and ROTH (after tax)
Plan Administrator	PERA/Empower
Who can participate?	All CU faculty and staff.
How much can you contribute?	2024 Maximum: $23,000 2025 Maximum: $23,500
	Minimum: N/A
	2024 Catch-up contributions: $7,500 2025 Catch-up contributions: Ages 50-59 and 64+: $7,500 Ages 60-63: $11,250
	2024 Combined limits: CU voluntary retirement plans combined contribution limit between the CU 403(b) pretax option, 403(b) Roth option and 401(k) pretax and Roth options: $23,000 Combined contribution limit for age 50+ between these three plans: $30,500 Any combination of contributions made to the 403(b) pretax option, 403(b) Roth option or 401(k) pretax and Roth options cannot exceed these limits. 2025 Combined limits: CU voluntary retirement plans combined contribution limit between the CU 403(b) pretax option, 403(b) Roth option and 401(k) pretax and Roth options: $23,500 Combined contribution limit for age 50-59 and 64+ between these two plans: $31,000 Combined contribution limit for age 60-63 between these two plans: $34,750 Any combination of contributions made to the 403(b) pretax option, 403(b) Roth option or 401(k) pretax and Roth options cannot exceed these limits.
When are you vested?	Contributions will be 100% vested immediately.
When can you take money out?	Qualifying distributions Reach age 59 ½ Retirement Termination of employment Financial hardship (may be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty)
When can you take money out?	Loans: Members can borrow from their account balances and pay back the loan with interest. See the enrollment guide for details.
Investment choices	You will have access to the PERAdvantage line of investments, Target Date Funds based on your expected retirement date as well as a self-directed brokerage account. See PERA's voluntary plan website and related investment lineup. PERA/Empower offers online advice at no cost and professional management for a fee. For more information, go to coperaplus.org, open the Investing drop-down menu and select Investment assistance or call 833-4-COPERA (833-426-7372).
What are the fees?	The administrative fee is a flat rate of $1 per month. Participants also pay a 0.03% total asset-based fee.