Updated 2026-03-30
TIAA vs Human Interest 401(k) Comparison
Compare TIAA (#9, 7.9/10) and Human Interest (#14, 7.2/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | TIAA | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.9/10 | 7.2/10 |
| Rank | #9 | #14 |
| AUM | $1.3 trillion | $6 billion |
| Participants | 5 million | 500,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 15,000+ | 15,000+ |
| Founded | 1918 | 2015 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | TIAA | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.9/5 | 4.2/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | TIAA | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by institution | $120/month base + $5/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.05% - 1.0% | 0.06% - 0.50% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for TIAA funds | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.30% - 1.0% | Included in platform |
TIAA Strengths
- Dominant in education sector
- Strong lifetime income/annuity options
- Mission-aligned for nonprofits
- Excellent retirement income planning
Human Interest Strengths
- Flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable
- Modern, easy-to-use technology platform
- Quick and simple plan setup
- Payroll integrations with major providers
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | TIAA | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | TIAA.org | Human Interest Dashboard |
| Loans Available | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via TIAA.org, Phone (800-842-2252), TIAA offices | Online via Human Interest dashboard |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Lifetime income annuity, Systematic withdrawals, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose TIAA if you want:
- Educators
- Nonprofits
- Healthcare workers
- Income-focused retirees
Choose Human Interest if you want:
- Small businesses
- Startups
- First-time plan sponsors
- Tech-savvy employers
Our Verdict: TIAA vs Human Interest
TIAA wins this comparison with a score of 7.9/10 vs 7.2/10. 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.
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TIAA vs Human Interest: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between TIAA and Human Interest for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. TIAA offers education focus while Human Interest is known for small business. In terms of fees, TIAA charges 0.05% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Human Interest's 0.06% - 0.50%. TIAA manages $1.3 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while Human Interest has $6 billion AUM and 500,000 participants.
Key Differences: TIAA vs Human Interest
When comparing TIAA and Human Interest, consider their core strengths: TIAA excels with dominant in education sector, while Human Interest stands out for flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable. 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 Human Interest's 4.3/5. For mobile experience, TIAA scores 3.9/5 while Human Interest scores 4.2/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose TIAA if you prioritize educators. Choose Human Interest if you're looking for small businesses. 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 Human Interest provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
TIAA scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.9/10. TIAA is best for educators, while Human Interest is best for small businesses. 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. Human Interest charges 0.06% - 0.50% expense ratios with admin fees of $120/month base + $5/employee. TIAA's fees rating is 4.0/5 compared to Human Interest's 4.5/5.
Yes, you can roll over between TIAA and Human Interest. TIAA uses TIAA.org for rollovers, while Human Interest uses Human Interest Dashboard. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
TIAA offers 401(k) loans. Human Interest does not offer 401(k) loans.
TIAA scores 4.0/5 for investment options, while Human Interest scores 3.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. TIAA's investment options include TIAA Funds, CREF Variable Annuities, Target Date Funds. Human Interest offers Index Funds, Target Date Funds, ESG Options.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. TIAA is best for educators, nonprofits, healthcare workers, income-focused retirees. Human Interest is best for small businesses, startups, first-time plan sponsors, tech-savvy employers. Compare admin fees: TIAA charges Varies by institution vs Human Interest's $120/month base + $5/employee.
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: 2026-03-30