Retirement Plans

Kentucky State University supports faculty and staff in planning for a fulfilling and financially secure retirement. As part of our comprehensive benefits package, the University offers both mandatory and voluntary retirement options to help employees meet their financial goals.

Mandatory Retirement Plan Options

All regular, benefits-eligible employees must participate in one of four retirement programs as required by state law. Retirement plan details and eligibility requirements are outlined below:

State Retirement Plans

  • Teachers' Retirement System of Kentucky (TRS): Applies to positions requiring certification or a four-year college degree. Covers full-time faculty and professional staff who meet eligibility criteria. Part-time employees working 70% time or greater are also covered. Retirement plan selection between TRS and the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) must be made within the first 30 days of employment; otherwise, enrollment in TRS is automatic and irrevocable.

  • Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA/KERS): Applies to positions not requiring certification or a four-year college degree. Participation is mandatory for regular full-time employees. Part-time employees averaging 100+ hours per month over a calendar or fiscal year are also required to participate.

Alternative Retirement Plans: Employees have a one-time opportunity to switch to TRS. To make this change, please contact benefits@kysu.edu.

  • Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA): Available as an alternative to TRS for eligible employees upon initial employment. A Defined Contribution Plan under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. Benefits are based on contributions and earned interest. Both the employee and the University contribute a percentage of the employee's salary to the retirement account.

  • Corebridge Financial: Functions similarly to TIAA's ORP. Available as an alternative to TRS upon initial employment.
    Benefits are determined by contributions and accrued interest. Both the employee and the University contribute to the retirement account. 

Voluntary Retirement Plans: Empowering employees to save up to $23,500 annually ($31,000 for those age 50 or older).

  • Deferred Compensation 401K: A tax-advantaged retirement savings plan allowing employees to contribute pre-tax income toward their retirement.
  • Deferred Compensation 457B: A supplemental retirement plan enabling employees to save pre-tax income, typically with no early withdrawal penalties for certain qualifying events.
  • TIAA 403B: A Defined Contribution Plan offering employees the ability to save for retirement with tax-deferred contributions and investment growth potential.
  • TIAA 457B: A retirement savings plan allowing additional contributions, with funds growing tax-deferred until withdrawn.
  • Corebridge Financial 403B: A flexible retirement plan offering tax-deferred savings and investment options for long-term retirement goals.
  • Corebridge Financial 457B: A supplemental plan providing pre-tax contribution options with tax-deferred growth and no early withdrawal penalties in specific circumstances.
  • TRS 403B: A retirement savings plan for educators, offering tax-advantaged contributions and growth designed to complement mandatory TRS retirement benefits.
  • TRS 401K: A retirement plan for educators that allows pre-tax contributions and offers a range of investment options to help secure financial stability in retirement.