defined contribution retirement plan (dcp)
A tax-smart way to save and invest.
The earlier you start contributing, the more valuable the benefit.
How We Invest in You
You’re eligible for two kinds of contributions:
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MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS
The Art Institute will match 100% of the first 4.5% of pay you contribute. You’re always 100% vested in matching contributions.
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FIXED CONTRIBUTIONS
Whether or not you contribute, the Art Institute will make a “fixed” contribution equal to 4.5% of eligible pay.-
Faculty Members—fixed contributions are immediately 100% vested.
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Staff Members—fixed contributions become 100% vested after three years of service or, if earlier, at age 65 or upon death or disability while employed.
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Invest in Yourself
You can make payroll deduction contributions on a pre-tax basis, a Roth after-tax basis, or both. Pre-tax contributions will be deducted from your pay before federal and state taxes are calculated, which lowers the amount of taxes withheld, saving you money every pay period. Roth contributions are taxed before they are invested in your account, allowing you to withdraw savings tax-free during retirement.
You’re in charge of how much you contribute, up to 100% of eligible pay, within annual limits set by the IRS ($24,500 for 2026). An additional $8,000 per year in “catch-up” contributions is allowed if you are age 50 to 59 or age 64 and older. If you will be age 60 to 63 by the end of the year, a higher “catch-up” limit applies to you. You can make up to $11,250 in catch-up contributions for 2026.
You may increase, decrease, or stop your contributions at any time. If you don’t make an active election for the DCP when you first enroll in benefits through the Art Institute, you’ll be enrolled at the 3% contribution level, if eligible. You can change your contribution level at any time.
You’re always 100% vested in your payroll deduction contributions, along with any investment earnings on those contributions. That includes any transfer or rollover contributions you may have made.
Contribute at least 4.5% of eligible pay to get the full match. That’s like getting an instant 100% return on your investment.
Your eligibility depends on how long you’ve been with the Art Institute and your employment group. Refer to the Who’s Eligible page for more information.