Study Finds Only 35% of University Faculty Expect to Retire by "Normal" Retirement Age

According to a study released by TIAA-CREF Institute, 65% of tenured, senior faculty members plan to put off retirement for various reasons. The report—"Understanding the Faculty Retirement (Non)Decision: Results from the Faculty Career and Retirement Survey"—investigated the dynamics of the faculty retirement decision and why many appear reluctant to retire at a traditional age, and it found that, in addition to the 35% of "traditional retirees," 16% of faculty said they would prefer to retire by the "normal" retirement age of 67, but expect to work longer ("reluctantly reluctant"), while 49% want to work longer ("reluctant by choice"). In addition, the report found that female faculty members are more likely than their male colleagues to expect to retire by normal retirement age.

TIAA-CREF Institute senior economist Paul J. Yakoboski, who authored the report, indicated that universities should engage faculty both on the financial and psychosocial aspects of retirement. A systematic evaluation of personal finances in the context of an individual’s retirement readiness can address the financial aspects, while a thorough evaluation of how an individual could spend his or her time if retired can address the psychosocial aspects. Such exercises would allow senior faculty to make fully informed decisions regarding whether and when to retire.

Source: TIAA-CREF Institute Press Release (June 11, 2015)

Additional sources: Iowa City Press-Citizen "Colleges face growing costs from 'reluctant retirees'" (July 25, 2015)