Faculty and administrative/exempt staff participate in the Central Washington University Retirement Plan (CWURP), a defined contribution plan with required contribution rates based on age, immediate vesting, and 100% matching from the university.

Classified staff members participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and campus police participate in the Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters Retirement System (LEOFF). PERS and LEOFF are defined benefit pension plans through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.

Additional pre-tax retirement funds can be set aside through two optional plans: the Voluntary Investment Plan (VIP), a 403(b) savings plan with investment options through Fidelity, TIAA-CREF, and Vanguard or Deferred Compensation (DCP), a 457 savings plan available through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.