Retirement

Retirement

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Retirement Overview

Wright State University values the dedication of its employees and is committed to supporting your long‑term financial well‑being. As part of our total compensation package, we offer several retirement plan options designed to help you build a confident and secure future. These mandatory plans are provided through Ohio’s public retirement systems and approved alternative vendors.

Your eligibility for each plan is based on your employment classification, and every plan has its own contribution structure, benefit design, and retirement features.

As you plan for the future, we encourage you to explore both the required retirement programs and the supplemental (voluntary) plans available to you. All university‑sponsored retirement plans are managed through approved vendors.

​​Mandatory Retirement Programs for All Employees

Wright State University offers state-mandated retirement plan options, and eligibility is determined by your employment classification. Faculty participate in the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS), while staff are enrolled in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS). In addition, the Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP) is available to eligible full‑time faculty and staff as an alternative to their state‑mandated system enrollment must occur within 120 days of an employee’s hire date.

Both employees and the University contribute to your retirement account. Employee contributions are made on a pre‑tax basis, with federal and state taxes deferred until benefits are paid. Employees of Ohio’s public colleges and universities do not participate in Social Security (except for Medicare).

For ARP participants, Ohio law requires that a portion of the University’s employer contribution be redirected to the state retirement system to offset financial impact—this is known as the mitigating rate. STRS and OPERS may also apply a mitigating rate for members who elect defined contribution or combined plans. These rates may change based on state law, and only the Ohio General Assembly has the authority to modify them.

Voluntary Retirement Programs for All Employee

Wright State University offers two voluntary supplemental retirement plans: the 403(b) and 457(b) plans.  These plans are designed to help employees build additional retirement income. All employees may participate in one or both plans, allowing them to maximize their annual contributions up to IRS limits. Contributions can be made on a pre‑tax and/or Roth (after‑tax) basis, depending on individual financial goals.

Social Security Fairness Act

The Social Security Fairness Act, HR 82, concerning the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, was signed into law on January 5, 2025. Upon implementation, the Social Security Fairness Act eliminates the reduction of Social Security benefits while entitled to public pensions from work not covered by Social Security.

The Social Security Administration is evaluating how to implement the Act and developed a Social Security Fairness Act  (off-site)website. This site will be updated as more information becomes available. 

Forms

120/180 Day Retirement Calculator

To calculate your 120-day deadline to choose between OPERS/STRS and ARP (Alternative Retirement Plan) and/or your 180-day deadline to select one of OPERS/STRS plans, use the 120/180 Day Retirement Calculator (XLSX).