While that's a nice thought, it's hardly realistic. Families who thought they had tuition, room and board, books, travel, and Greek dues in the bag are finding out that's not the case. The competition for scholarship money is even more keen. Students who would normally work to pay for Greek-related expenses are working to pay for books and sometimes tuition. To tell college freshmen that "money should be the least of your worries" is irresponsible and ridiculous.

I've mentioned this before, but we as Greeks will have to market ourselves a little differently in this economy, and even after any recovery we might have. Scholarships, career-networking opportunities, and college-real world transitions are going to have to be a major part of this. So, if someone asks, "Is going Greek worth the money?," we should be able to give concrete reasons as to why.

You should also know that not all organizations require thousands a semester and it's worth it if it's something one really wants to do. I can think of lots of other things we spend our money on that offers no or little return and devalues as soon as you purchase it. So at the end of the day, if you're passionate about something and you have the money you'll do it and if you're not, then you won't. And to some people, some things are priceless.

Money is needed to run these organizations, but if its too much for you, you should reconsider that org. In my situation, I put in money, whether for dues, programs, to help out my blue and white fam, or whatever, it doesn't matter. I enjoy every minute being a Zeta and I understand that funds are needed and I can handle the costs. I feel that I am getting back more than I have been putting in. But if one feels they have to pay for their friends or to be popular, they made a big mistake and need to re-evaluate their motives

I see where you are coming from, It was not a well-rounded answer. I guess I was answering from my own perspective.

UMM, now it is not worth it, with the recession and all. When we were undergrad, we didnt have all these expenses we have now (marriage, kids, house, car, etc.) those bills were non existent in school. I cannot afford to pay dues, grad school, house note, utilities, etc. It is too much.!!!!! I believe in giving but only if you can afford to do so. No one should go homeless to pay dues for their organization, especially organizations whose members steal money from them.

:confused:

If you're homeless because you joined a Greek Org... I don't even know what to say about that..

Depending on the campus - when you divvy up the costs (housing, food, entertainment) of Greek membership and then compare it to the cost of those items for non-Greeks you will often find that there is little or no difference. Obviously, national dues and pledging fees are an exception - but when you look at what those dues provide in terms of lifetime benefits - not to even mention those intangibles which have no price - it is well worth the money.

Hi everyone,

A thread I feel qualified to comment on....I am a mom who pays the dues.

Yes, it is worth the money. But then again, I guess it depends on you (as the member). If you enjoy volunteering and doing things for others, then definitely join a GLO. Also, you may be (or not be) best friends with everyone in the chapter, but you will find a support system. This can be a great thing in a large university where your family is far away.

I believe that it is about being a part of something that goes beyond just you. You are involved with building/maintaining an organization that has perhaps been on your campus for 100 years! It is about doing good stuff beyond your own needs, but yet benefiting personally through contacts and friends. Few people have to pay for friends, but also few people ever think about participating in activities that are for the benefit of others. So it really just depends on you.

Well, strictly on the financial aspects:

On my campus, the total cost to live in our fraternity house was about 15% less than the cost of an equivalent dorm room.

Dues also included other perks such as social and academic events, sports, meals, and others.

The resume I have thanks to my leadership role in the house has not only helped me get into grad school, but has helped me in the development of my business, and I'm sure that I were not self-employed, would help me get a job.

On the job note, many other Alumni of my chapter got their current jobs with the help, recommendations, or directly from other Alumni of our chapter. I know at least one brother who is now working for an older alum.

So, even if it is a purely financial decision, joining a greek organization still works out in your favor.

And everyone else has already touched on the aspect of friends :-)

Hope it helps,

-J.