GreekChat.com Forums - Top Greek Schools

University of Illinois
University of Illinois takes its Greek life seriously, and it shows in their numbers. U of I has a diverse Greek community of 95 chapters, consisting of 6,850 students, making it the largest Greek community in the world. These social organizations know how to have a good time, but they are also strongly committed to giving back to the community through leadership, service and school involvement. At Illinois, sorority and fraternity members make up a large portion of the student government body and they frequently make Dean’s list. With such a varied and thriving Greek population, it’s no surprise that 22 percent of the student body sports the Greek letters, and why Illinois makes it to the top of the list.
University of Georgia
Known for their southern charm, generosity and spirit, the University of Georgia’s Greek members are committed to making their school and community a better place for all. With a total of 59 sororities and fraternities, Greek life has become a staple within the institution and Athens community. In fact, Georgia’s Interfraternity Council took home the most awards in a regional conference for their scholastic merit, campus and community relations and community service excellence. As a whole, UGA Greeks are very involved in community service, such as building homes for Habitat for Humanity and raising more than $2 million for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta through the ugaMiracle program. It’s their dedicated involvement and positive attitudes that place Georgia on the list of most active Greeks.
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama takes pride in many of their college traditions, and Greek life is one that tops the list. The university is home to 56 sororities and fraternities, with more than 5,000 student members. This Tuscaloosa-based school is constantly expanding its Greek community by installing old and new chapters. Alabama Greek members have a strong commitment to community service and volunteering in their community. Altogether, these young men and women have raised more than $450,000 for local and national charities over the past five years. The rich traditions and deep-set values are what keep the Alabama Greek system successful and blossoming since 1847.
Oklahoma State University
OSU’s 3,000 Greek members represent student leaders and models for academic excellence, as they partake in various social, student government and volunteer opportunities on campus. These young men and women are committed to helping others through philanthropy and fundraising events, as well as lifting school spirit and uniting the Greek community by participating in Greek Week, Spring Sing and Greek Discovery Day. OSU has also made a name for itself at the National Panhellenic Conference, when they took home awards for overall excellence and leadership for their Panhellenic association, which oversees 11 sororities.
Pennsylvania State University
In keeping with their already established and award-winning fraternities and sororities, Penn State’s Greek community has pledged to be the best organization in the nation, through their "A Return to Glory" pledge. In order to reach their goal by 2014, Penn State’s Greek community has pledged to increase their involvement in the community through service, leadership and social responsibility. Penn State’s sororities and fraternities expect excellence in academics, volunteering and student involvement so that they can maintain their reputation as an active Greek community and become a model for academic and professional success.
University of Mississippi
Ole Miss’s Greek community covers all bases of activism, especially in the areas of community service and philanthropy. Every year, Ole Miss Greeks raise nearly $500,000 in donations to charities and local, state, national and worldwide causes. In addition to fundraising and donations, the Greek community offers their time and energy to philanthropy and volunteer services to both the university and surrounding areas. Sorority and fraternity life at Ole Miss fosters academic excellence, leadership and school involvement.
Louisiana State University
Take a stroll down LSU’s sorority or fraternity row and you will find find thousands of Greek members who place scholarship, leadership and volunteerism first in their undergraduate lives. LSU Greeks are active individuals, who contributed more than 50,000 hours and donated about $250,000 to local charities and philanthropies during the 2006-2007 academic year. These young men and women take pride in their school and Greek organizations, therefore, furthering their involvement in other students organizations, such as student government, honor societies and interest groups.
Southern Methodist University
SMU has many long-standing Greek traditions that have carried on for generations and continue to make a difference in the Dallas area. Whether they are sponsoring the Special Olympics, running in Relay for Life or putting on talent shows to raise money for charities, SMU’s Greek members are active participants in philanthropies and school events. These young women and men have raised millions for local charities and organizations, in addition to volunteering their time and energy to making a difference in their community. With 41 percent of the student body sporting Greek letters, it’s no wonder why SMU has continued to have such a successful and active Greek life.
University of Florida
Florida’s Greek community makes the cut for many reasons. Not only are they active within the city, but they also place a strong emphasis on campus involvement and academic achievement. In fact, out of the 5,200 students who joined a sorority or fraternity, 12 percent of them had a semester GPA of 4.0 during the 2009 school year. Florida Greeks are also active when it comes to building lasting friendships and networking through brotherhood and sisterhood events, such as socials and date functions, as well as intramural sports and chapter retreats.
University of Southern California
USC is home to thousands of active sorority and fraternity members who bring spirit and leadership to the school. These young men and women love to participate in various team-building and leadership activities, such as intramural sports games and running for governing council positions. Not to mention, USC Greeks are committed to giving back to the community and helping fellow Greek members raise money for their individual philanthropies. In fact, the Greek community raises more than $300,000 every year for local and national charities, in addition to donating their time and energy to volunteering.