Updated 2026-03-20
T. Rowe Price vs Ascensus 401(k) Comparison
Compare T. Rowe Price (#5, 8.5/10) and Ascensus (#18, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | T. Rowe Price | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Rank | #5 | #18 |
| AUM | $1.3 trillion | $800 billion |
| Participants | 10 million | 12 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 4,500+ | 100,000+ |
| Founded | 1937 | 1975 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | T. Rowe Price | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.8/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.6/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.4/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.2/5 | 3.3/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | T. Rowe Price | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $0 - $50/year | Varies by advisor and plan |
| Expense Ratios | 0.30% - 1.2% | 0.03% - 1.5% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for T. Rowe Price funds | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.30% - 1.25% | Set by financial advisor |
T. Rowe Price Strengths
- Excellent actively managed fund performance
- Best-in-class target date funds
- Strong research capabilities
- No-transaction-fee mutual fund platform
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 | T. Rowe Price | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Individual.troweprice.com | Ascensus Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online portal, Phone (800-225-5132) | Through financial advisor, Phone (800-345-6363), Plan administrator portal |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose T. Rowe Price if you want:
- Active fund believers
- Target-date fund users
- Research-oriented investors
- Long-term holders
Choose Ascensus if you want:
- Financial advisor clients
- Businesses wanting advisor-guided plans
- Multi-plan employers
- Open architecture seekers
Our Verdict: T. Rowe Price vs Ascensus
T. Rowe Price wins this comparison with a score of 8.5/10 vs 6.8/10. T. Rowe Price excels with excellent actively managed fund performance, 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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T. Rowe Price vs Ascensus: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between T. Rowe Price and Ascensus for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. T. Rowe Price offers active management while Ascensus is known for largest independent. In terms of fees, T. Rowe Price charges 0.30% - 1.2% expense ratios compared to Ascensus's 0.03% - 1.5%. T. Rowe Price manages $1.3 trillion in assets and serves 10 million participants, while Ascensus has $800 billion AUM and 12 million participants.
Key Differences: T. Rowe Price vs Ascensus
When comparing T. Rowe Price and Ascensus, consider their core strengths: T. Rowe Price excels with excellent actively managed fund performance, 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. T. Rowe Price's customer service rating is 4.4/5 compared to Ascensus's 3.7/5. For mobile experience, T. Rowe Price scores 4.2/5 while Ascensus scores 3.3/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose T. Rowe Price if you prioritize active fund believers. 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 T. Rowe Price and Ascensus provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
T. Rowe Price scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 8.5/10. T. Rowe Price is best for active fund believers, while Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
T. Rowe Price charges expense ratios of 0.30% - 1.2% with admin fees of $0 - $50/year. Ascensus charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by advisor and plan. T. Rowe Price's fees rating is 3.8/5 compared to Ascensus's 3.5/5.
Yes, you can roll over between T. Rowe Price and Ascensus. T. Rowe Price uses Individual.troweprice.com for rollovers, while Ascensus uses Ascensus Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
T. Rowe Price 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.
T. Rowe Price scores 4.6/5 for investment options, while Ascensus scores 4.0/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. T. Rowe Price's investment options include Active Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Index Funds. Ascensus offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. T. Rowe Price is best for active fund believers, target-date fund users, research-oriented investors, long-term holders. Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients, businesses wanting advisor-guided plans, multi-plan employers, open architecture seekers. Compare admin fees: T. Rowe Price charges $0 - $50/year 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