Iowa State University is proud to offer a retirement program that helps you prepare for retirement at the end of your working days — one that helps you achieve your financial goals and maintain financial wellness.
Because we work hard to ensure our plans remain financially strong and continue to serve your best interests. This spring we will be implementing changes to enhance retirement benefits for all TIAA plan participants.
First and foremost, contribution rates and eligibility requirements are not changing. The basic design of the retirement program will remain the same. Instead, in April, we will be implementing the following enhancements to TIAA plans:
- New default investment option. The TIAA plans’ default investment option will be updated. It will transition from the current lifecycle funds to a new offering called Iowa State RetireOnTrack.
- New investment options, with lower fees. Some of the current investment options will be replaced. The new investment lineup will offer carefully selected options you can use to create your own investment strategy. Several options come with reduced costs.
- New self-directed brokerage option. This new feature allows you to invest a portion of your balance in a self-directed brokerage account, giving you access to thousands of mutual funds.
The following links provide access to additional resources associated with the enhancements that are coming.
RetireOnTrack Investment Selection Period Extended
Your Retirement Reimagined Guide
TIAA Enhancements Technical Guide
Investment Fund Lineup Changes
Email 2-14-25 Exciting changes coming soon to the Iowa State University retirement plans with TIAA
Email 3-27-25 Informational session on TIAA plan changes start April 8
Inside Iowa State Article 4-3-2025 Changes to TIAA plan take effect this month; learn more
TIAA general information session recording available
Iowa State employees with retirement plans with TIAA can watch an on-demand recording of one of the virtual general information sessions about the changes to the plan. Employees who did not attend the session may have to register on the page to view the recording. The basic design of the retirement program with TIAA will remain the same, as will contribution rates and eligibility requirements. There is a 10-day window (April 14-25) for one-on-one sessions with a TIAA professional to discuss individual plans.