Dues.
 

Hi, I will start off by apologizing if I misplaced this thread in the incorrect subtopic. I'm currently a senior in high school who is looking into the wonders of greek life for my upcoming year as a freshman in college and I have a few questions. I understand dues are one of the five D's impolite to discuss, however I have a specific reason to ask. I am going to be working second semester as well as summer to be able to finance myself if I choose to participate in rush. I've thought about greek life for awhile now and it is something that I have a heartly intrest in, therefore I want to be prepared financially before I rush.
Would anyone happen to have estimates specifically on two universities that I may be attending; Arizona State University and San Diego State University? I know it depends on the chapter and extra costs, but if anyone has any information on them such as averages, I'd be very grateful. If not, is there a person I can contact? They list contact infomation however I am unsure of which position handles questions such as this one?

Thanks a bunch!

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Arizona+State+U...ity+greek+life

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=San+Diego+State...ity+greek+life

LOL i was all shocked that u nicely gave links. :rolleyes:

i like that website.

While you may not want to ask at rush, I believe both schools have information sessions and orientations where it would be appropriate to ask. You could also ask your Rho Chi/Rho Gamma/Recruitment Counselor.

You can check out the greek life web sites for either school and get general information. But if you are still in high school, and therefore are not yet accepted to either school maybe you should expand your options if participating in greek life is important to you and cost will be a factor.

For example, if you are not a California resident, out of state fees to attend a CSU school are going to be comparable to what you would pay to attend many private colleges. If you are a CA resident, you'll have to pay out of state fees to attend ASU. It's almost always going to be more economical to attend the public school in the state where you are a resident. SDSU has chapter houses, ASU has dorm floors, so the housing costs will be different. Social costs are probably about the same. You should probably figure that the social dues part of being in a sorority is going to be comparable to what you might spend being a member of a cheer or sports team in high school, plus attending a few formal dances.

Keep researching schools, focus on getting good grades, enjoying your last year in hs and keep an open mind!

Agreed. However, it may also depend on the individual sororities. While some here have around $300/semester for dues, Kappa has $600/first semester and $300/second semester, at least for this year. This is because Kappa's dues incorporate everything while other sororities have optional fees of formal, semiformal and tshirts. Just because a sorority has a higher due amount doesn't mean that you'd pay less at another one...not sure if I worded this in a very articulate way or not.

Second of all, OP, it's not an faux pas to ask about dues-although often Panhellenic will provide them if asked or at the first round. Unless your (future) school is completely different, asking about dues is ok. What you want to avoid is talking about money like, "I am so rich. My daddy owns ten yachts and seventeen houses in our private island" or "I'm so poor. My family only makes (insert parents' salaries)". Those would both be a faux pas. However, asking about dues so you can know about future financial responsibility is something that's okay to ask, in my opinion (and how it's done at my school). Perhaps ASU or SDSU is different but you can always ask Panhellenic.

Lastly, just enjoy your senior year. College isn't just about joining a sorority. There's also a lot of hard work to be done. Just relax about sororities and worry about other things more significant and closer things first!

Thank you all for your replies! :)
I did try googling ASU and SDSU Greek Life numerous times, but generally there are not mentionings about financial responsiblilty averages, but thank you anyways.

I'm enjoying my senior year as of now, and yes I have been watching my GPA. I just would like to make the most of keeping my options open for college and I think it's important to look into it before I rush.

I'm an Arizona resident, that is why I consider ASU.
I'm a San Diego fan, that's why I consider SDSU. I've been to both and it will be a tough decision no doubt!

Wherever you end up, I'm sure you'll be happy. On the ASU and SDSU websites, do they have links to the Panhellenic Council (the council that governs over all of the national sororities on campus)? If so, they'll often tell you there or tell you to email them to find out.

My school gave everyone a piece of paper with all of the dues for new members and actives for both semesters. However, this wasn't online. It was given during recruitment.

I understand why you're looking into it. It can be a big financial responsibility at some schools. If you can't find it at all on ASU or SDSU's greek life site/Panhellenic Council site, email them and ask.

Good for you being proactive about your finances!! Keep up your grades, enjoy your last year of HS and have some fun, too.

http://www.sdsuphc.com/page.php?page_id=13781

What are the financial obligations? Sorority membership is for life, not just for the years that you are at SDSU. To cover the benefits of the lifetime membership, one-time fees are paid at the time of pledging and again at initiation. The average new member period, from bid day to initiation is six weeks. More complete financial information for each chapter will be provided for you during the recruitment process.
Average costs will vary by chapter:
Residence Halls: $4,250/semester (includes room and board)
Panhellenic Sorority Live In Dues: $3,000/semester (includes room and board)
Panhellenic Sorority Live Out Dues: $750/semester
One-time initiation and house fund assessments: $450 (initial semester)