IRS regulations set annual limits on how much you and Brown can contribute. For 2026:

• If you are under age 50, you may contribute up to $24,500.
• If you are age 50 or older, you may contribute up to $32,500.
• If you are ages 60-63, you may contribute up to $35,750. 

The combined limit on total contributions (employee and employer) is:

•  $72,000 for employees under age 50
• $80,000 for employees age 50 and older
• $83,250 for employees age 60-63

Brown's mandatory 2% contribution under the Legacy Retirement Plan does not count toward your individual contribution limits. However, both employee deferrals and University contributions will stop once your eligible compensation for the calendar year exceeds the IRS compensation cap, which is $360,000 in 2026.

These limits apply whether you contribute on a pre-tax basis to a traditional 403(b), or an after-tax basis to a Roth 403(b) account, or a combination of both.

We encourage all employees to review their contribution levels regularly to ensure they align with their retirement goals.

• Your personal contributions are always 100% vested, or nonforfeitable
• Legacy Plan participants are fully vested in University contributions
• Deferred Vesting Plan participants should refer to that plan’s page for the vesting schedule