Can students on financial aid/scholarship afford a sorority?
 

I'll be attending college in Fall 2009 and recently took a campus tour of a state university. A family friend's daughter was kind enough to give my friends and I a tour of her sorority and I look forward to participating in rush when I head off to college.

I've done my basic research on sorority housing costs at the school we toured, but I still remain confused. Our family will need to apply for financial aid, I may well be eligible for academic scholarship, and of course I'll be working summers and may well need to take out loans.

Generally speaking, approximately how much more will I be expected to pay (on top of university room and board) to pledge a sorority? Are first years the most expensive?

The college we toured gave us some general sorority housing expenses (living in residence hall first year and meals, etc. at sorority and living in chapter house only second year, etc.), but they couldn't tell us if these charges were per semester or annual. The sorority member giving us the tour said it was actually less expensive to live in her sorority house than a residence hall (and the house was beautiful!). Sorority housing can be paid out of financial aid awards, but only as much as we receive as a financial aid award, so if first year housing costs are double, or dues, initiation, etc., are very expensive, I'm assuming my parents will need to make up the difference. Has anyone else encountered this or can you offer any suggestions?

When we toured with the sorority house, we did get a lot of great info from the chapter member, but it wasn't at all appropriate to ask any financial questions. Thanks!

It will depend on the chapter and the campus, however I went to college on financial aid and scholarships and was able to join a sorority without a problem. The first year is the most expensive, because of all the costs associated with your new member period. I paid for my sorority myself out of the money that I made during the summer and during Christmas break. Other friends of mine had jobs during the school year at the bookstore or on campus somewhere. It all depends on priorities-- I put myself of a pretty strict budget (I still remember it was $20 a weekend) plus as a member of a sorority you do get invited to mixers and closed parties will may cut down on "going out" costs.

So it can be done (and living in the sorority house was cheaper than a dorm plus a meal plan). Good luck!

To pledge an NPC sorority, first semester dues are usually close to or around $1,000.

Each semester after that can range from $300-$800.

It really depends on the chapter, the cost of the house, etc, etc.

My sister and I are both at school on financial aid. And, we both work 15-20hrs a week during school. It's not always easy, but it can be done.

I'm here with scholarships and financial aid, and I haven't really had problems with my sorority. A lot of groups will let you go on a payment plan to break it up into smaller chunks over a longer period of time, and I know some of our girls do that. Hope that helps :)

ya it does depend on the university... at utd they are around 300-400 a semester... Your FIRST semester in the sorority will be the most expense, bc of initiation fees, badge, and housing fees. Lots of sororities allow you to make them in payments too.

yes, I also heard that living in a house is much less expensive then the college dorms.. plus, you get meals from a chef! (in most cases)

ya I'm also on financial aid, but I work and my parents help me out... and they LOVE my sorority so that helps lol

It REALLY depends on the campus as far as what the dues are. However, I can say that nearly every girl in my chapter had some sort of scholarship or at the very least some significant financial aid.

The top GPA/leaders in the sorority actually probably got a net benefit from being in the sorority, though, through sisters-only scholarships. I know I wound up receiving about $9,000 in sorority scholarships... far beyond what my meager dues totalled. I'm not saying that these scholarships are a guarantee, but they are a potential opportunity to consider when making your choice.

ETA: And my first semester dues were MUCH lower than $1000... I would ask your college's panhellenic to see if they have an informational flyer with dues on it. We do. And not one of the sororities charges $1000 even for your first year.

Please don't quote dollar amounts on things you may not know anything about.

Mine weren't anywhere near $1000 because we didn't have a house and those chapters that don't have houses will be much cheaper.

Not sure what school it is, but search on their website and see if they have a Greek Life website. That may give general amounts and/or it will have a contact for the office who can give you better information than any of us can.

On the flip side, at other schools, like SEC schools, they can be WAAAAY above what AlwaysSAI quoted, and there can be a big range among chapters at the same school.

SophieA, we have no idea where you are thinking of attending school, so no one can really give you dollar amounts. Ask the daughter of your family friend about the finances, but remember, that is what her sorority at her school charges right now.

Knowing these 3 amounts should help you plan and see if you think you can afford it:

1. Cost during your new member semester(dues + parlor fee + national fees + badge)
2. Cost for a member to live in the house (dues + room and board)
3. Cost for a member to live out of house (dues + parlor fee)

*Keep in mind, some chapters' dues will be all inclusive (flat fee, nothing else asked), some will be semi-inclusive, and some will only cover the basics, meaning that socials, t-shitrts, etc are NOT included. Also, I haven't heard of a chapter anywhere that doesn't allow members to pay on a payment plan, but I could be wrong.

I wonder why you thought it wasn't appropriate to ask financial questions. It's definitely an appropriate question to ask during recruitment, so when your time comes, don't be shy.

Actually, AlwaysSAI was right on the money , (so to speak). I have 2 daughters right now in college, in the same chapter, and those figures are accurate. They are also scholarship receipents which does help with the bills. I do know from what they have told me, that a number of their sisters have some type of part time job and while living in the house can be expensive, it can be cheaper than a dorm and required meal plan. I definitely know that it can be done.
ZTA72

I think the average per month I would say is $450 at Ole Miss (based on what I know AOII pays and a couple of other sororities pay). Then if you live in the house it's around $1650 or more a semester because you are living there. Your first semester can be rather high. I think all of the sororities on campus have a Building Fund that new members pay. It is usually broken down over your new member period. There are plenty of sorority members at Ole Miss who work to pay their dues. It's all about communicating with your Financial Advisor/Officer and seeing if they can set up a payment plan. Also, if you contact your Greek Life office they might have some average amounts of what it costs. But just remember the first semester is usually the most expensive. Also, some sororities have "senior plans" for seniors who are doing internships/student teaching, etc so they will reduce your food bill portion since you might not be eating at the house as much or your social portion since you cannot attend as many socials. Oh and I have even heard about members working all summer and saving their money to pay for their sorority dues.

ETA: Please remember at Ole Miss all of the sororities serve 3 meals a day M-Th, and then on Friday 2 meals a day. They also have very large houses to maintain so the fees will be higher. Furthermore, most sororities include the social fees in the dues since most members attend socials. Some chapters do include t-shirt fees and recruitment fees for clothes in their bills. So it just depends on the chapter. I know this year AOII assessed a fee for one of their socials to help offset the costs, so it does vary. I know also with AOII we have a “technology fee” to help maintain the computers and pay for the wireless in the house.

skylark is absolutely correct, local knowledge is essential, I speak ONLY from personal experience. I think that it goes without saying that checking with Greek Life at your college is the answer. Best of luck to the OP if you decide to go through recruitment.
ZTA72

You should contact the Greek Life office at the school you plan to attend and ask them to give you last year's financial information (they probably don't have 2008-09 yet.) That will give you an idea of the costs involved.

Whether or not you can "afford" it is a decision you need to talk about with your family. Right now, you're probably spending money on social activities or school activities (i.e. movies, concerts, eating out with friends, costs for participating in choir or band or cheerleading or whatever you are into.) Would you be willing to pass up movies or a spring break ski trip in order to be able to "afford" sorority dues? Would you be willing to live at college without a car?

If you feel like you'd be "financing" your social activities with student loans, I'd say, no, it's probably going to be a financial hardship that eventually will cause a strain for both you and the sorority. But if you are willing to save some, scrimp some, work some, and sacrifice some, you can do it. Above all, you need to think about affording your education first, but if you've got the will....there's always a way!

Good luck!

A sorority is a financial obligation, and I commend you for recognizing this right off the bat. It is very doable if you are on financial aid. I paid for college myself without family assistance, and I lived in the house, held chapter offices, and was on the Dean's List every semester. While I would have loved it if I hadn't had to have a part-time job through school, I enjoyed my undergrad experience immensely and was very happy to join a sorority!

For now, the university's Office of Greek Life/Office of Student Activities can provide information about dues to you. During recruitment, be sure to ask questions at the sorority events. There will be a round of parties where the sororities will specifically tell you about dues and costs, so wait to ask questions about dues until the sorority brings it up to you. Call home with this information after those parties and discuss it with your parents.

The first semester is typically the most expensive. There is a one-time new member fee and the purchase of your sorority badge. Most sororities will require you to make an initial payment 24-48 hours after bid day. Be prepared for this initial cost. While you can pay all of your dues for the semester up front, more typically, members pay monthly.

Moving into the house is almost always cheaper than living in the dorms or an off-campus residence. Almost all sorority houses come equipped with a meal plan, so you save even more time and money not having to buy or prepare food (or clean up!). Living in the house is also a great experience to get to know your chapter sisters better and to get involved. It's also very safe-- many sorority houses have security systems, and they all have house mothers who plan meals and manage the house maintenance.

Some sororities may have a required meal plan for live-out members. Don't freak if you see the price tag on their dues-- it may break down to where you are spending $5/day on food, even though dues may seem to be quite costly. Think about the big picture costs. If you aren't the type who is into the meal plan idea, you may not want to consider that sorority. If you really can't afford it, you may not want to consider that sorority. On the other hand, if you have really clicked with a chapter during recruitment, think about the big picture-- and how sharing meals with your sisters can be a great way to save money and to bond with your chapter.

Sororities that have chapter houses tend to have more expensive due than sororities that do not have a chapter house. Again, don't let this stop you from joining the organization where you feel you fit best. Consider all of the pros and cons carefully.

Best of luck with recruitment!

Depending on your school, chapter size, and etc your dues will vary dramatically. For example, I attend FSU and my dues for my first semester were $2,550. We have a huge house, meals M-Th, and that includes our socials. I will echo what others have said and suggest that you see if the office of Greek Life at the college you plan on attending has any guideline figures they can give you.

My D is at a SEC school, does NOT live in a house (she shares an apt. with friends) and her dues are $700 a semester! This does not include any of the other stuff like t-shirts for every single dang funtion under the stars and rush clothing and outings.

Just to add - I think that in some chapters you are allowed to apply any room/board scholarship money to your sorority housebill (if living in house). Ask at the financial aide office about this to be sure, but I have seen it done.

Ditto to the above who state that the costs of sorority living vary greatly from campus to campus. Financial info is readily available to anyone who inquires at the Greek Life/Panhellenic office. This is what they are SUPPOSED to provide, so don't feel weird asking. And, you don't have to wait until recruitment to ask.

Like most financial goals in life (and I fear I sound like the parent I am) this one can be attainable with advance planning - which it sounds like you are doing! I commend you!

Hi Everyone...and thanks so much for all your very interesting and detailed answers. You've really given me hope that it can be done! You're all so friendly. I look forward to checking back here often.

After reading your posts, I did locate a Greek life page on the school's website and it listed all the financials for the specific chapters' housing. From what I can see, it didn't detail dues, initiation fees, first-year fees, etc., but the PDF format brochure did say that info is posted during a special parent meeting that I believe is held before or during rush week. I can't imagine asking any potential sisters this information, even if they are in the same position as myself financially; it seems inappropriate? It said I could also call one of the school's Panhellenic officers.

Again, you've all given me hope with your work responsibilities as well as your academic and chapter commitments! I do well academically and my college counselor told me there's a high degree of likelihood I'll be eligible for merit scholarships. I hope this will help defray the extra cost for sorority life as well. Thanks again for your friendly welcome to the forum :)

I know that we are always taught not to talk about money...but you NEED to ask. We expect that from potentials. If they don't ask, we'll often bring it up so that they're aware of their financial responsibilities. So don't be afraid to ask!

I think this really depends on the campus and the Greek system. At a large, competitive school where the parties are hectic and busy, financial discussions are not the norm. Members do not always expect this type of question from PNM's in that setting. However, the info is available on the Greeklife website, etc which I definitley think she should pursue.

There are some schools were asking about money may not be the norm, but on the flip side there are some campus Panhellenics that require posters on the wall during recruitment that show how much dues are. The sisters are required to show the poster to the potential new member (PNM's = You!)so they know what they are getting into. If you don't feel comfortable asking about money directly, ask the Greek Life contact how they communicate fee's to PNM's during recruitment. Thatt way you won't cross any unwritten lines that you or the sororities may feel are there. Good Luck!

Actives shouldn't talk about money as in asking what the PNM's father does for a living or flaunting her own wealth. Conversation about dues is acceptable and expected.

My personal experience: My family could not afford to pay my way through college, and I didn't qualify for need-based aid. While my parents helped me as much as they could, I have always been on some sort of scholarship and loan or both! I also always worked at least 15-25 hours a week to help pay for both my living costs and dues. While my sorority did offer a payment plan, I found that budgeting was the answer to most of my financial problems.

As a previous poster said, it may take some small monetary sacrifice in the long term, such as $20 bucks on the weekend, and not shopping for a bit so you can afford that nice, beautiful expensive formal dress that you know you date will fall head over heels for! :)

Also please take all these post about dues amounts that other have paid with a grain of salt. Because we don't know what school you are thinking about going to, and because sororities change their dues all the time, it is pretty much impossible to give you an exact amount.

Also be aware that this amount will change depending on if the chapter has a house or not, if they are exclusive or inclusive on expenses, and a wealth of other items.

If you have any other questions I might help with, feel free to shoot me a message!

Despite the budgeting, foregoing the expensive pruchases, and/or $20 weekends (I had them too), I can guarentee you that being in a sorority was worth every extra hour I worked or every packet of ramen noodles I ate! I wouldn't change a thing (and it's 10 years later!).

If I may get a little sappy....I actually had a conversation with a new member tonight about dues. My final comment to her was, do you feel the sorority experiences are worth the dues you are going to pay. She rattled off the events she was going to participate in over the next few weeks (Greek Week, Big Sis Discovery, formal, etc) and then she looked at the girls standing with us and she said yes, it would absolutely be worth it.

You may need to get creative, you may need to make a sacrifice, but it's all worth it. (Ok, done being sappy) :D

I was on financial aid and worked about 20 hours or more a week (workstudy). I was able to afford my due and still have extra cash. But I was lucky enough to have Mom live in the same city as the university I went to so starving wasn't that bad for me. I always paid my dues in full when I got my financial aid. At the end of the semester I would probably owe about $10-20 because of T-shirts and stuff.

Some chapter also have payment plans that can help you out even more. I know that we had an option of paying in 4 month or it could be extended to (I think) 6 months. I would just depend on what you and the financial person in the sorority that you might join can come up with.

i can see the OP's apprehension. it's kind of like asking about salary when you interview. you arent really sure when to ask about it - ask too soon, and youre money hungry. ask too late you may have wasted time interviewing for money you wouldnt work for.

and apples to oranges, but we (a general NPHC we, ok, an SGRho we) dont tell interests anything about dues until its time. They can ask all they want, and at best, they will expect the same as mentioned here: first year's dues are the most b/c of initiation and then a fixed amount yearly, then it varies on the chapter.

quoting numbers is never a good idea - again like an interview, if/when mentioned too soon, it can shape the PNM/interest's opinion in approaching greek life. its one thing to be realistic re: money, but really if it's what you want, you make it happen. take up another job, save up some $, get a payment plan... but its not like they can say "omg i didnt know!"

p.s. WTF? some of yall get meals?! sheesh, must be nice.

I wouldn't ask at my school. Most houses would be offended if you asked and have an "If you have to ask, you can't afford it" attitude. Probably not the way it should be, but that's the way it is.

Not a answer to the question but, one of the ways that I saved some money in college (saving money could = having money to spend on other things like sororitie dues) was to work in the bookstore for the week before classes started and the first week of classes. I made money to pay for my books plus I got them cheaper than other people due to the 30% discount.

Also, if you are a junior now why not look for a part time job or at least a summer job and put the money you make in the bank and save it for your sorority fund, ie don't spend it on other things. I am sure that you could probably earn enough money in one summer to pay for at least your most expensive first year dues. Just a thought.

sidenote: many of you mention taking up "a job" to earn "extra" money for dues. didnt ANY of you have jobs to begin with? EVERYONE i knew had a job on top of non-wage-earning jobs (ie. i was an RA, did 20 hrs workstudy and tutored at a local middle school).

all im saying is that, sigh, it must be nice if youre taking up jobs just for sorority dues, and not for say, groceries, books/supplies, next semester's tuition.

not speaking for everyone, but just throwing it out there.

well, that's one of the neat things about attending college. lots of different people, from lots of different backgrounds and circumstances.

now, more than ever, many students hold down jobs, either on campus or off-some to assist their parents with the expenses they are incuring, while others are paying their own way, totally. i would say the majority of students where i advise work part time.

And the information at your school is published and given to the PNMs, anyway... so I'd think it might also be an attitude of "If you have to ask, you can't read." But not every school is as forthcoming with that information as Bama or UGA.

Something to think about with the expense of dues is that, if your campus offers sorority housing, it can actually help you have cheaper housing and other costs.

Two of my closest sisters were on financial aid/loans for school, but they both said they decided to join a sorority, in part, because of the inexpensive housing and bills. If you had to choose between $400-500 a month in rent (PLUS bills) and $1500 a semester in dues which include three meals a day, water, and electricity, the sorority's really paying for itself with all of the housing costs that you wouldn't have to worry about while living there. If your chapter is comfortable with you maybe needing to make a payment plan rather than just writing a check at the beginning of the semester, you could probably find a job that would allow you to make those semesterly dues that would include living in the house... so the only year where you'd be paying for housing AND sorority would be as a freshman, if your chapter allowed you to live in the house multiple years.

About the payment plans: some national HQs only allow them for initiated members--meaning that new members have to pay everything at once. Sometimes the payments ARE due in installments, but it may be 2-3 installments instead of a monthly payment plan.

It's been my experience that most students work in some capacity while in school, regardless of socioeconomic background. Sometimes that's being an RA or assistant house manager (in our Greek and Program Houses, that was a position that pretty much meant you had the master key), for others that was being editor of the school paper (at most schools, a paid position), and still others worked in the dining hall. I'd say for most people I knew, that job paid for personal expenses and not tuition.