Faculty Retirement Plan Alternative (RPA)
All permanent employees on an annual "A" or "B" contract who are employed at least 50% full-time must participate in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Retirement Plan Alternative (RPA) unless they are already member of the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Nevada (NVPERS). The NSHE Board of Regents established the Defined Contribution Plan in 1970 as an alternative to NVPERS. The plan document sets forth the provisions of the IRS Code Section 401(a) defined contribution plan. The funds are automatically deducted from your paycheck on a tax deferred basis and the plan contributions are invested, at the direction of each participant, in one or more of the funding vehicles available to participants by the plan’s record keeper, TIAA.
The employee contributes 19.25% of his/her gross salary, and the institution contributes an additional 19.25%. The plan provides for immediate vesting.
The account to which the institution contributes does allow for cash distribution upon termination and reaching age 55, while the employee account will be 100% cashable upon termination of employment (subject to IRS withdrawal limitations). If you terminate within the first five years of employment, both account balances may be withdrawn.
As of January 2, 2025, a “pro-rata” method of contribution was put in place. Under this method, contributions will be proportionally allocated throughout the 12 pay periods of the year up to the IRC 401(a)(17) compensation limit. For 2025, this means that an employee’s retirement contributions will be based on a maximum monthly compensation of $29,166.67. This amount will be adjusted annual based on the IRS cost of living adjustments.
NSHE's RPA is administered by the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA):
