Updated 2026-03-20
TIAA vs Ascensus 401(k) Comparison
Compare TIAA (#9, 7.9/10) and Ascensus (#18, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | TIAA | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.9/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Rank | #9 | #18 |
| AUM | $1.3 trillion | $800 billion |
| Participants | 5 million | 12 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 15,000+ | 100,000+ |
| Founded | 1918 | 1975 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | TIAA | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.9/5 | 3.3/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | TIAA | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by institution | Varies by advisor and plan |
| Expense Ratios | 0.05% - 1.0% | 0.03% - 1.5% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for TIAA funds | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.30% - 1.0% | Set by financial advisor |
TIAA Strengths
- Dominant in education sector
- Strong lifetime income/annuity options
- Mission-aligned for nonprofits
- Excellent retirement income planning
Ascensus Strengths
- Largest independent recordkeeper in the US
- Works through financial advisor network
- Supports 401(k), IRA, 529, and HSA plans
- Strong compliance and administration
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | TIAA | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | TIAA.org | Ascensus Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via TIAA.org, Phone (800-842-2252), TIAA offices | Through financial advisor, Phone (800-345-6363), Plan administrator portal |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Lifetime income annuity, Systematic withdrawals, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose TIAA if you want:
- Educators
- Nonprofits
- Healthcare workers
- Income-focused retirees
Choose Ascensus if you want:
- Financial advisor clients
- Businesses wanting advisor-guided plans
- Multi-plan employers
- Open architecture seekers
Our Verdict: TIAA vs Ascensus
TIAA wins this comparison with a score of 7.9/10 vs 6.8/10. TIAA excels with dominant in education sector, 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.
Other Popular Comparisons
Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Vanguard vs AscensusCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Schwab vs AscensusCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Empower vs AscensusCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
T. Rowe Price vs AscensusCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Principal vs AscensusCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
TIAA vs Ascensus: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between TIAA and Ascensus for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. TIAA offers education focus while Ascensus is known for largest independent. In terms of fees, TIAA charges 0.05% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Ascensus's 0.03% - 1.5%. TIAA manages $1.3 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while Ascensus has $800 billion AUM and 12 million participants.
Key Differences: TIAA vs Ascensus
When comparing TIAA and Ascensus, consider their core strengths: TIAA excels with dominant in education sector, while Ascensus stands out for largest independent recordkeeper in the us. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. TIAA's customer service rating is 4.3/5 compared to Ascensus's 3.7/5. For mobile experience, TIAA scores 3.9/5 while Ascensus scores 3.3/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose TIAA if you prioritize educators. Choose Ascensus if you're looking for financial advisor clients. 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 TIAA and Ascensus provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
TIAA scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.9/10. TIAA is best for educators, while Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
TIAA charges expense ratios of 0.05% - 1.0% with admin fees of Varies by institution. Ascensus charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by advisor and plan. TIAA's fees rating is 4.0/5 compared to Ascensus's 3.5/5.
Yes, you can roll over between TIAA and Ascensus. TIAA uses TIAA.org for rollovers, while Ascensus uses Ascensus Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
TIAA offers 401(k) loans. Ascensus offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.
TIAA scores 4.0/5 for investment options, while Ascensus scores 4.0/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. TIAA's investment options include TIAA Funds, CREF Variable Annuities, Target Date Funds. Ascensus offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. TIAA is best for educators, nonprofits, healthcare workers, income-focused retirees. Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients, businesses wanting advisor-guided plans, multi-plan employers, open architecture seekers. Compare admin fees: TIAA charges Varies by institution vs Ascensus's Varies by advisor and plan.
Pavlo Pyskunov
Managing Director & Investment Fund Director
Pavlo Pyskunov analyzes employer-sponsored retirement plans using IRS publications and DOL Form 5500 filings, helping workers maximize their 401(k) savings through data-driven guidance.
Last updated: 2026-03-20