Updated 2026-03-30
TIAA vs Nationwide 401(k) Comparison
Compare TIAA (#9, 7.9/10) and Nationwide (#13, 7.3/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | TIAA | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.9/10 | 7.3/10 |
| Rank | #9 | #13 |
| AUM | $1.3 trillion | $250 billion |
| Participants | 5 million | 3.5 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 15,000+ | 30,000+ |
| Founded | 1918 | 1926 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | TIAA | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.0/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.9/5 | 3.4/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | TIAA | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by institution | $800 - $3,500/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.05% - 1.0% | 0.30% - 1.3% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for TIAA funds | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.30% - 1.0% | 0.45% - 0.95% |
TIAA Strengths
- Dominant in education sector
- Strong lifetime income/annuity options
- Mission-aligned for nonprofits
- Excellent retirement income planning
Nationwide Strengths
- Strong in 403(b) and 457 plans
- Guaranteed lifetime income options
- Good public sector solutions
- Stable value fund options
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | TIAA | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | TIAA.org | Nationwide.com |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via TIAA.org, Phone (800-842-2252), TIAA offices | Online via Nationwide.com, Phone (877-677-3678) |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Lifetime income annuity, Systematic withdrawals, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Guaranteed lifetime income, Rollover to IRA |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose TIAA if you want:
- Educators
- Nonprofits
- Healthcare workers
- Income-focused retirees
Choose Nationwide if you want:
- Public sector employees
- Teachers and nonprofits
- Guaranteed income seekers
Our Verdict: TIAA vs Nationwide
TIAA wins this comparison with a score of 7.9/10 vs 7.3/10. 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 Nationwide: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between TIAA and Nationwide for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. TIAA offers education focus while Nationwide is known for public sector. In terms of fees, TIAA charges 0.05% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Nationwide's 0.30% - 1.3%. TIAA manages $1.3 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while Nationwide has $250 billion AUM and 3.5 million participants.
Key Differences: TIAA vs Nationwide
When comparing TIAA and Nationwide, consider their core strengths: TIAA excels with dominant in education sector, while Nationwide stands out for strong in 403(b) and 457 plans. 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 Nationwide's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, TIAA scores 3.9/5 while Nationwide scores 3.4/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose TIAA if you prioritize educators. Choose Nationwide if you're looking for public sector employees. 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 Nationwide provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
TIAA scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.9/10. TIAA is best for educators, while Nationwide is best for public sector employees. 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. Nationwide charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios with admin fees of $800 - $3,500/year. TIAA's fees rating is 4.0/5 compared to Nationwide's 3.4/5.
Yes, you can roll over between TIAA and Nationwide. TIAA uses TIAA.org for rollovers, while Nationwide uses Nationwide.com. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
TIAA offers 401(k) loans. Nationwide 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 Nationwide 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. Nationwide offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Fixed Annuities.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. TIAA is best for educators, nonprofits, healthcare workers, income-focused retirees. Nationwide is best for public sector employees, teachers and nonprofits, guaranteed income seekers. Compare admin fees: TIAA charges Varies by institution vs Nationwide's $800 - $3,500/year.
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