If I were you I would contact the Panhellenic office or Greek Life office at all the schools you are considering. Ask them for general information on dues at the sorority chapters on their campus. You might also ask whether they have a house, because that may create a big difference in the costs, but will allow you to understand the difference. If one includes meals then you can squish your sorority part of your budget in with your food part of your budget, for example and it may even save you money in the long run! Hope that helps!

Chances are, someone during rush will bring the subject of chapter dues up. It was in the "Guide to the Greeks" when I rushed, and it was pretty accurate. Everyone has to pay national dues and new member dues and such, but a big factor in how big your bill will be depends on if your house has a mandatory meal plan (which sounds mean to impose on members, but it's a good idea b/c it's nice to see everyone at dinner every night.) Also, sometimes the house itself has something to do with the bill.

When I went through rush we were told upfront the total cost per semester and when they would need to be paid. If they dont tell you you should ask during rush. All the groups know that finances are big issues esp for new freshmen.

The costs vary from campus to campus and then chapter to chapter.

Good Luck!

From what I gather from my friends who are in their respective houses, living in house has its advantages and disadvantages, but overall it ends up being a good thing. Yeah it can get kind of hectic w/ 45+ girls in one house, especially when you crave your privacy. But you're always just a few feet away from company when you need it. If food, util, rent is covered, then definitely go for living in the house. I live in an apt that's 1100 a month (divided by 4!), plus my util., telephone, food...let's just say that it costs me quite a bit. :rolleyes: If my chapter had a house, I'd live there in a heartbeat.

If you think the dues you pay is friviouls then whay dont you ask your Treasure where the money goes?

You may live in a Dorm or not!

Money goes to the Natioanl that you belong to to operate!
Money goes to the Budgets of the Commities that run, Ritual, Recruitment, Rush Functions, Run Outs, HomeComing, Charity Events, and last but not least paying for partys! Where do you have them, do you have a band or DJ?

Do you not realize that most Fraternitys/Soroitys run on a tight budget!

Do you have a web site. or your National, or the people that work there!

Hey, they dont do it for grins! They get paid! Many Fraternitys have volunteer members that visit chapters, LXA pays our ELC people to travel all over the Country! Do You?

Do you have a magazine that is sent to you? It all cost folks!

Most Greek Orgs. to live in House is Cheaper than School living!

You are In Or Not!

Dont Complain, you are a member of an elite group of people or will soon be!

In or out it is your decision, not mine or anyone elses!

Fayissi,

If you can afford it it's the best damned investment you'll make aside from your college degree (even THAT is debatable).

I don't know what it costs to be involved in a GLO where you're going to school. If it's at UT (it said you were in Austin) then I'd figure that cost to be in a sorority shouldn't be too far a cry from living in the dorms.

It will of course vary from chapter to chapter. At least go through rush and find out if there is a house out there that you can be a part of!

Good luck!

LHT
Kevin

Lea,
Being from the bay area and being familiar (esp stanford, I"m from Palo Alto) with all the Cali schools that you applied to I can tell you that UC Santa Cruz only has one national sorority at the moment, (pi Phi I believe) so it shouldn't be too hard to find out the cost there since there is only one soror. I have some friends at Stanford who have told me going greek there is VERY expensive.. I'd say 500 a month or so. My friend at Berkely pays 625 per semester for dues and such. San Francisco State I can tell you EXACTLY what the three sororities there cost, because I go there and have the flier we give out during rush that has the exact prices listed.
Alpha Gamma Delta is 385 new member fees and 250/ per semester after that
Phi Sigma Sigma (which just happens to be the BEST sorority on campus IMO.. :D ) is 285 new member fees and 350 for fall semester and 180 for spring semester.. (we pay our national fees in Fall, that's why they are higher) and
A-Phi is 350 for new members and 325/semester
I know at my chapter any event that's mandatory is covered by dues. We don't have houses at SFSU, so these expenses are seperate from the rather pricy San Francisco rent you pay to live in the dorms or off campus, however after reading some of the other replies seems like all the chapters on our campus are a bargain. If you have any questions about any of the schools I know people who go to all of them and can get you in touch with them or answer any questions for you GOOD LUCK on your transition to college next year and if you end up at SFSU I'll see you at open house !!!!

Our policy about assessing is that anything that is MANDATORY is covered in your monthly dues. This means that if there is a required T-shirt for recruitment or a philanthropy event, it does not cost you extra. Therefore, you know ahead of time exactly what you will have to pay. Things that are optional may cost you extra and beyond your dues such as party favors, non mandatory t-shirts, socials, and formals. If you have any other questions, feel free to pm me or ask on the board! Good luck with all your decisions.

Sarah! :)