Updated 2026-03-30
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
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | T. Rowe Price | TIAA |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Individual.troweprice.com | TIAA.org |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online portal, Phone (800-225-5132) | Online via TIAA.org, Phone (800-842-2252), TIAA offices |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Lifetime income annuity, Systematic withdrawals, 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 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 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 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.
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 TIAA is best for educators. 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. TIAA charges 0.05% - 1.0% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by institution. T. Rowe Price's fees rating is 3.8/5 compared to TIAA's 4.0/5.
Yes, you can roll over between T. Rowe Price and TIAA. T. Rowe Price uses Individual.troweprice.com for rollovers, while TIAA uses TIAA.org. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
T. Rowe Price offers 401(k) loans. TIAA 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 TIAA 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. TIAA offers TIAA Funds, CREF Variable Annuities, 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. TIAA is best for educators, nonprofits, healthcare workers, income-focused retirees. Compare admin fees: T. Rowe Price charges $0 - $50/year vs TIAA's Varies by institution.
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