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
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 comprehensive 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.