Institute Fellows are nationally recognized thought leaders and prominent scholars, experienced in matters of importance to TIAA and those we serve. These experts extend our knowledge, skills and reach, and advance our thought leadership. Fellows have conducted more than 100 Institute-sponsored research studies.
Academic Researchers
Conducting and sponsoring rigorous academic research since 1998
With a team of economists and program staff, Fellows and strategic partners, the Institute conducts research and organizes convenings on critical issues related to financial security, higher education and endowments and foundations.
Academic Researchers
Initiatives to advance the academic community
The Institute provides an environment in which academic researchers can exchange ideas and expand their reach to affect public policy. Leaders use the knowledge provided by the Institute to make better-informed decisions.
The TIAA Institute supports original research and thought leadership through its grants program. Leading scholars are encouraged to submit innovative research ideas on financial security, higher education and endowments and foundations. The TIAA Institute, with the Pension Research Council at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, funds high-quality, cutting-edge research on retirement policy and practice.
The Institute’s signature award programs are designed to advance knowledge and recognize leadership excellence. The TIAA Paul A. Samuelson Award For Outstanding Scholarly Writing On Lifelong Financial Security recognizes an outstanding research publication that helps advance Americans’ lifelong financial well-being. The TIAA Institute Theodore M. Hesburgh Award for Leadership Excellence in Higher Education recognizes a current higher education leader for commitment to higher education, leadership and contributions to the greater good.
Trending Topics
In addition to our focus areas here are some of our latest research topics.
Latest Research Reports
June 2021
Many higher education leaders believe any student should be able to attend any university without taking on unmanageable debt. Demographic trends suggest reaching this goal will be challenging.
May 2021
The pandemic has undoubtedly left its mark on higher education. How are institutions responding?
May 2021
America’s private nonprofit colleges and universities are facing serious financial and demographic challenges. How they respond can affect students for years to come.
April 2021
Since 2018, the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) and TIAA have jointly produced an annual study on higher education endowment and foundation investment performance and governance.
April 2021
The 2021 TIAA Institute-GFLEC Personal Finance Index
COVID-19 has underlined the importance of possessing financial knowledge and skills—and having a financial cushion to weather the unexpected.
March 2021
As colleges and universities search for viable paths to continue operating in the face of COVID-19, higher education employees have been affected in many ways, including financial.