T. Rowe Price vs TIAA 401(k) Comparison
Compare T. Rowe Price (#5, 8.5/10) and TIAA (#9, 7.9/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | T. Rowe Price | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| Rank | #5 | #9 |
| AUM | $1.3 trillion | $1.3 trillion |
| Participants | 10 million | 5 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 4,500+ | 15,000+ |
| Founded | 1937 | 1918 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | T. Rowe Price | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.8/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.6/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.2/5 | 3.9/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | T. Rowe Price | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $0 - $50/year | Varies by institution |
| Expense Ratios | 0.30% - 1.2% | 0.05% - 1.0% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for T. Rowe Price funds | $0 for TIAA funds |
| Advisory Fees | 0.30% - 1.25% | 0.30% - 1.0% |
T. Rowe Price Strengths
- Excellent actively managed fund performance
- Best-in-class target date funds
- Strong research capabilities
- No-transaction-fee mutual fund platform
TIAA Strengths
- Dominant in education sector
- Strong lifetime income/annuity options
- Mission-aligned for nonprofits
- Excellent retirement income planning
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 TIAA if you want:
- Educators
- Nonprofits
- Healthcare workers
- Income-focused retirees
Our Verdict: T. Rowe Price vs TIAA
T. Rowe Price wins this comparison with a score of 8.5/10 vs 7.9/10. 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 TIAA: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between T. Rowe Price and TIAA for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. T. Rowe Price offers active management while TIAA is known for education focus. In terms of fees, T. Rowe Price charges 0.30% - 1.2% expense ratios compared to TIAA's 0.05% - 1.0%. T. Rowe Price manages $1.3 trillion in assets and serves 10 million participants, while TIAA has $1.3 trillion AUM and 5 million participants.
Key Differences: T. Rowe Price vs TIAA
When comparing T. Rowe Price and TIAA, consider their core strengths: T. Rowe Price excels with excellent actively managed fund performance, while TIAA stands out for dominant in education sector. Both providers offer comprehensive investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. T. Rowe Price's customer service rating is 4.4/5 compared to TIAA's 4.3/5. For mobile experience, T. Rowe Price scores 4.2/5 while TIAA scores 3.9/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose T. Rowe Price if you prioritize active fund believers. Choose TIAA if you're looking for educators. 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 TIAA provider pages.