Updated 2026-03-30
T. Rowe Price vs Nationwide 401(k) Comparison
Compare T. Rowe Price (#5, 8.5/10) and Nationwide (#13, 7.3/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | T. Rowe Price | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.5/10 | 7.3/10 |
| Rank | #5 | #13 |
| AUM | $1.3 trillion | $250 billion |
| Participants | 10 million | 3.5 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 4,500+ | 30,000+ |
| Founded | 1937 | 1926 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | T. Rowe Price | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.8/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.6/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.4/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.2/5 | 3.4/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | T. Rowe Price | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $0 - $50/year | $800 - $3,500/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.30% - 1.2% | 0.30% - 1.3% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for T. Rowe Price funds | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.30% - 1.25% | 0.45% - 0.95% |
T. Rowe Price Strengths
- Excellent actively managed fund performance
- Best-in-class target date funds
- Strong research capabilities
- No-transaction-fee mutual fund platform
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 | T. Rowe Price | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Individual.troweprice.com | Nationwide.com |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online portal, Phone (800-225-5132) | Online via Nationwide.com, Phone (877-677-3678) |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Guaranteed lifetime income, Rollover to IRA |
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 Nationwide if you want:
- Public sector employees
- Teachers and nonprofits
- Guaranteed income seekers
Our Verdict: T. Rowe Price vs Nationwide
T. Rowe Price wins this comparison with a score of 8.5/10 vs 7.3/10. 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 Nationwide: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between T. Rowe Price and Nationwide for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. T. Rowe Price offers active management while Nationwide is known for public sector. In terms of fees, T. Rowe Price charges 0.30% - 1.2% expense ratios compared to Nationwide's 0.30% - 1.3%. T. Rowe Price manages $1.3 trillion in assets and serves 10 million participants, while Nationwide has $250 billion AUM and 3.5 million participants.
Key Differences: T. Rowe Price vs Nationwide
When comparing T. Rowe Price and Nationwide, consider their core strengths: T. Rowe Price excels with excellent actively managed fund performance, 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. T. Rowe Price's customer service rating is 4.4/5 compared to Nationwide's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, T. Rowe Price scores 4.2/5 while Nationwide scores 3.4/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose T. Rowe Price if you prioritize active fund believers. 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 T. Rowe Price and Nationwide 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 Nationwide is best for public sector employees. 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. Nationwide charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios with admin fees of $800 - $3,500/year. T. Rowe Price's fees rating is 3.8/5 compared to Nationwide's 3.4/5.
Yes, you can roll over between T. Rowe Price and Nationwide. T. Rowe Price uses Individual.troweprice.com for rollovers, while Nationwide uses Nationwide.com. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
T. Rowe Price 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.
T. Rowe Price scores 4.6/5 for investment options, while Nationwide scores 3.5/5. 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. Nationwide offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Fixed Annuities.
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. Nationwide is best for public sector employees, teachers and nonprofits, guaranteed income seekers. Compare admin fees: T. Rowe Price charges $0 - $50/year 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