OPE Estimator and Budgeting Information

This OPE estimator is intended to help researchers approximate the OPE rate to use when calculating personnel costs for budgets in grant and contract proposals. This is an estimate only. It will not be accurate for individuals whose FTE vary throughout the year.

9 Mo. FacultyAppt. Salary OPE=
Academic Year $ %
 
12 Mo. FacultyAppt. Salary OPE=
12 Month Appt. $ %
 
ClassifiedAppt. Salary OPE=
12 Month Appt. $ %
 
Faculty & Classified Staff < .5 FTE during current year
Eligible for employer-paid retirement benefts 30%  
NOT eligible for employer-paid retirement benefits 9%  
 
Student and Graduate Assistants
Enrolled in credit courses 2%  
NOT enrolled in credit courses 9%  
 
Tuition Remission, Graduate TA, Academic Year 2007-08
FTE RangeTuition Remission Amount
.15 - .24$2,050
.25 - .34$2,349 or 9 graduate credit hours of tuition remission (9 x $261).
.35 - .49$3,132 or up to 12 credits of graduate tuition remission (12 x $261).
For planning purposes, expect a 3-4% increase per year.
The full GA tuition remission policy is available here.

Fringe Benefits for fulltime faculty and staff are based on two components, a percentage (30%) for such items as FICA, retirement contributions and unemployment compensation, and a fixed dollar figure for medical and dental benefits. Both components are in the final OPE rate used in this OPE estimator.

There are several retirement plans with different rates. The actual amount charged will be based on the individual's retirement plan rate. The percentage used here includes an average rate for all retirement plans. The dollar amount calculated as a percentage of someone's salary will therefore vary from the actual amount charged.

Faculty and staff less than fulltime (.5 FTE) do not receive medical and dental benefits but may be eligible for employer-paid retirement benefits. If the individual is eligible for employer-paid retirement benefits an OPE rate of 30% should be used. If a person is not eligible for employer-paid retirement benefits an OPE rate of 9% should be used.

Tuition remission for Graduate Research Assistants is not part of the OPE calculation and should be listed as a separate item on a proposal budget.