Retirement
Bowling Green State University supports the efforts of all employees to plan a fulfilling secure retirement. As part of the benefits package and total rewards, the University offers several options to assist you with meeting your financial goals. Retirement program eligibility is based on employee type.
We encourage you to review the mandatory retirement plan information along with the voluntary retirement savings plan information to assist in planning for your retirement. Please note that the University plans are only administered through approved providers.
Unsolicited contact from financial advisors may appear legitimate even if they are not approved retirement plan providers. Please check the list of approved providers before responding.
All Employees
Mandatory Retirement Plan Options
Retirement program eligibility is based on your employment type. The two state-mandated retirement programs are the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) and the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS). In addition, we also provide the Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP) option, which is available for full-time employees only.
Both the employee and the University contribute to your retirement account. Employee contributions are made on a pre-tax basis; federal and state taxes are deferred until benefits are paid. Employees of Ohio public colleges and universities do not participate in the federal Social Security system, other than contributions to Medicare. If you are eligible for a Social Security benefit from other employment in addition to your OPERS/STRS/ARP benefit, there may be a reduction in your Social Security benefit. Learn more about the Windfall Provision at Social Security Administration website.
Ohio law (Ohio Revised Code Section 3305.06) requires a portion of the employer contribution for an ARP member go to the state retirement system to mitigate any negative financial impact of the ARP on the state retirement system. This portion is known as the mitigating rate. In addition, OPERS and STRS have the authority to collect a mitigating rate from the employer contribution made on behalf of their members who elect their defined contribution or combined plan. The mitigating rate is subject to fluctuation and may increase or decrease at any time based on current law. Only the Ohio General Assembly has the ability to reduce the impact of the mitigating rate on plan participants.
Need assistance?
Employees who need help navigating their retirement benefits and other financial priorities such as budgeting, debt, credit, college savings and more, can rely on CAPTRUST's participant advice program. They are available to help you plan, save, invest and retire comfortably. Their services can assist you with selecting a retirement plan, budget toward financial goals, manage accumulated debt and make sure you stay on track.
To learn more about CAPTRUST at Work and how they can assist with your financial wellness, watch this short video.
To take advantage of the available CAPTRUST services, call 800-967-9948 or visit the CAPTRUST website.
Updated: 09/09/2026 07:29PM