ADP vs TIAA 401(k) Comparison
Compare ADP Retirement Services (#7, 8.1/10) and TIAA (#9, 7.9/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | ADP | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| Rank | #7 | #9 |
| AUM | $130 billion | $1.3 trillion |
| Participants | 3 million | 5 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 90,000+ | 15,000+ |
| Founded | 1949 | 1918 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | ADP | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.4/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.7/5 | 3.9/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | ADP | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $2,000 - $5,000/year base | Varies by institution |
| Expense Ratios | Varies by investment partner | 0.05% - 1.0% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 for TIAA funds |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 0.75% | 0.30% - 1.0% |
ADP Strengths
- Seamless payroll integration
- Automatic contribution processing
- Strong compliance support
- Easy setup for ADP payroll clients
TIAA Strengths
- Dominant in education sector
- Strong lifetime income/annuity options
- Mission-aligned for nonprofits
- Excellent retirement income planning
Which Should You Choose?
Choose ADP if you want:
- ADP payroll users
- Multi-state employers
- HR bundle seekers
- Compliance-focused companies
Choose TIAA if you want:
- Educators
- Nonprofits
- Healthcare workers
- Income-focused retirees
Our Verdict: ADP vs TIAA
ADP Retirement Services wins this comparison with a score of 8.1/10 vs 7.9/10. ADP excels with seamless payroll integration, making it the stronger choice for most investors in this matchup. However, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, employer plan availability, and investment preferences.
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ADP vs TIAA: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between ADP Retirement Services and TIAA for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. ADP offers payroll integration while TIAA is known for education focus. In terms of fees, ADP charges Varies by investment partner expense ratios compared to TIAA's 0.05% - 1.0%. ADP manages $130 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while TIAA has $1.3 trillion AUM and 5 million participants.
Key Differences: ADP vs TIAA
When comparing ADP and TIAA, consider their core strengths: ADP excels with seamless payroll integration, while TIAA stands out for dominant in education sector. Both providers offer comprehensive investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. ADP's customer service rating is 4.0/5 compared to TIAA's 4.3/5. For mobile experience, ADP scores 3.7/5 while TIAA scores 3.9/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose ADP if you prioritize adp payroll users. Choose TIAA if you're looking for educators. Your decision should also consider your employer's plan availability, fee sensitivity, desired investment options, and customer service expectations. For detailed reviews, visit our individual ADP and TIAA provider pages.