Updated 2026-03-20

TIAA vs Morgan Stanley 401(k) Comparison

Compare TIAA (#9, 7.9/10) and Morgan Stanley at Work (#19, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureTIAAMorgan Stanley
Overall Score7.9/106.8/10
Rank#9#19
AUM$1.3 trillion$6.2 trillion
Participants5 million6 million
Plan Sponsors15,000+15,000+
Founded19181935

Ratings Comparison

CategoryTIAAMorgan Stanley
Fees & Costs4.0/53.0/5
Investment Options4.0/54.5/5
Customer Service4.3/54.1/5
Mobile App3.9/54.0/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeTIAAMorgan Stanley
Admin FeesVaries by institutionVaries by plan size and services
Expense Ratios0.05% - 1.0%0.03% - 1.5%
Trading Fees$0 for TIAA funds$0 for stocks/ETFs via E*Trade
Advisory Fees0.30% - 1.0%0.50% - 1.5%

TIAA Strengths

Morgan Stanley Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureTIAAMorgan Stanley
Rollover PlatformTIAA.orgMorgan Stanley at Work Portal
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via TIAA.org, Phone (800-842-2252), TIAA officesOnline via Morgan Stanley portal, Phone (800-869-3326), Through Morgan Stanley financial advisor, Branch office visit
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Lifetime income annuity, Systematic withdrawals, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Systematic withdrawals, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions

Which Should You Choose?

Choose TIAA if you want:

  • Educators
  • Nonprofits
  • Healthcare workers
  • Income-focused retirees

Choose Morgan Stanley if you want:

  • Companies with stock plans
  • Employees wanting full brokerage access
  • High-net-worth participants
  • Self-directed traders

Our Verdict: TIAA vs Morgan Stanley

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.

Full TIAA Review Full Morgan Stanley Review

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TIAA vs Morgan Stanley: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between TIAA and Morgan Stanley at Work for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. TIAA offers education focus while Morgan Stanley is known for wealth management. In terms of fees, TIAA charges 0.05% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Morgan Stanley's 0.03% - 1.5%. TIAA manages $1.3 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while Morgan Stanley has $6.2 trillion AUM and 6 million participants.

Key Differences: TIAA vs Morgan Stanley

When comparing TIAA and Morgan Stanley, consider their core strengths: TIAA excels with dominant in education sector, while Morgan Stanley stands out for access to morgan stanley financial advisors. 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 Morgan Stanley's 4.1/5. For mobile experience, TIAA scores 3.9/5 while Morgan Stanley scores 4.0/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose TIAA if you prioritize educators. Choose Morgan Stanley if you're looking for companies with stock plans. 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 Morgan Stanley provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

TIAA scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.9/10. TIAA is best for educators, while Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans. 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. Morgan Stanley charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by plan size and services. TIAA's fees rating is 4.0/5 compared to Morgan Stanley's 3.0/5.

Yes, you can roll over between TIAA and Morgan Stanley. TIAA uses TIAA.org for rollovers, while Morgan Stanley uses Morgan Stanley at Work Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.

TIAA offers 401(k) loans. Morgan Stanley 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 Morgan Stanley scores 4.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. TIAA's investment options include TIAA Funds, CREF Variable Annuities, Target Date Funds. Morgan Stanley offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Index Funds.

For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. TIAA is best for educators, nonprofits, healthcare workers, income-focused retirees. Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans, employees wanting full brokerage access, high-net-worth participants, self-directed traders. Compare admin fees: TIAA charges Varies by institution vs Morgan Stanley's Varies by plan size and services.

Pavlo Pyskunov

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