How did/do you afford fees?
 

After a long talk with my parents, we have come to the decision that if I make it into a sorority, I will be financially responisble. Is it possible to fund between 3900- 6000 dollars per year yourself with only a part time job?!

Thanks!

It depends. The summer internships I had paid over 10K alone.

-Rudey

It depends on where you decide to work, how much you get paid, and how many hours per week you work.

If your parents pick up the tab on everything else, I would say it could definitely be possible. Most part-timers make at least that much if not more per year.

Personally, I was able to make it possible to pay my rent, my dues (which averaged out to about $900/year-round) and everything else with the exception of tuition on my part time salary.. but I had to work 25-35 hours a week in order to do it. I've also had friends who work as servers in restaurants that work maybe 20 hours a week and make the same, if not more, than what I pulled in, so like I said, it really depends on where you work, what you get paid, and how much you work.

If you do join a sorority and get a job to help fund your dues, don't forget to find time to study.. because after all, that's what we're in college for :)

Re: How did/do you afford fees?
 

That's only 2450-3000 per semester if you want to think of it that way. Does that cover your rent? Could you not get your parents to chip in to cover your rent at the sorority house and maybe you pick up the dues part?

The overall "deal" you get will include a lot -- food, room, entertainment. It's plenty of bang for your buck.

But be realistic about it. If you can't afford it, look for alternatives. When you go through rush, make a point of finding out exactly what everything costs.

Some chapters provide money to members who need financial help. PM me for more details...

Re: How did/do you afford fees?
 

Possibly.

It would all be a combination of how much you're getting paid and how many hours you're working. And like Rudey said, a summer job can go a long way to paying the bills since you can work more hours during the summer. That dollar amount is not as large as it seems. 20 hours a week @ $6/hr for 9 months would get you slightly more than the minimum you quote. You can make significantly more than that waiting on tables or something and in the summer you would make more than that as well. But, how many hours would you be able to work per week?

The chapter I support doesn't collect it all at once either. There's usually one payment in the beginning of the semester and one more toward the middle.

One thing to consider are on-campus jobs. Some of these pay between $7-10/hour and many are flexible with regards to your class schedule. Depending on where you work, there is also the potential to work over breaks to help make more money.

And, as OleMissGlitter pointed out, many groups have scholarships and/or financial assistance for their members. As long as you are honest with them and making a good effort at paying everything on time, most will work with you in regards to setting up a payment plan or system.

That is exactly how I did it! Working on campus paid my monthly dues and working full time over the summer at a higher paying job paid the bigger expenses like rent and other stuff!

ETA: My chapter had payment plans also and ADPi offers need based scholarships and emergency grants when in need! My chapter's local alumnae association even has a grant that helps a deserving sister each year!

Amen to the chapters that have payment plans.....that helps out alot. I had to fund my sorority fees myself as well, but it was worth it. At times I had 2 jobs, and schoolwork too----but everything worked itself out for me. I'm sure it will for you. It will if you work hard for it.

From the University of Kentucky's Sorority Recruitment Information handbook.

Financial Requirements

Though joining a Greek organization does carry a financial commitment, that commitment is typically less than what a student would spend on housing, food and entertainment as a nonmember. For example, UK residence halls cost $2418 for rent (including $825 for food) each semester. Using a conservative estimate of $500 for entertainment brings the total semester cost to $2918. The average cost per semester of sorority membership, including dues, rent and food ranges from $1900 to $2840. Both of those numbers assume the student is living in the fraternity or sorority house. If rent and food are not included, the sorority cost ranges from $460 to $700. The first semester is usually more expensive than the second because of one time initiation costs. You can expect between $525 and $990 during your first semester of membership which would include one chapter meal a week.

My chapter had payment plans when I was there. Our dues were much less though but I guess it all balances out if you count your rent/house fee in that amount. Also most sisters worked in college. It is all about priorities and managing your time appropriately. It can be done. The sisters who were in financial trouble at the time, who couldn't pay their dues, were the same sisters who had money to buy new outfits at least once a week or more, and go out 5-6 nites a week, so again, it is manageable and it is all about priorities. Being a member of a sorority teaches you financial responsibility, as well as helping you learn to say "no" when you need to put school and work responsibilities ahead of "play". Working in the summer, as mentioned, is a good way to stash away cash. Also if you look for a job where you can also bring your schoolwork and make $$$ at the same time, that can take stress off of you. Good luck!!!!

Thanks for all the helpful replies!
They were just what I wanted to hear. I am aiming to get an on campus job anyway, as I am only allowed to get that as I am on scholarship.

You might ask, why, if I'm on a scholarship will my parents not pay? Well I think they want me to be responsible, and it adds up to alot when you add fees to plane flights to england, health insurance for the USA, and minor costs, like buying ALL electricals for an american plug!

I feel very optimistic now, because I will be attending USC, CA, and the dues there seem very pricey, ranging from 1300- 2100 for one semester, live out!

We had a payment plan, but it was only available (per national rules, not our bylaws) to initiated members--which meant that the new member fees and first semester dues had to be paid in full.

I paid for my dues through my summer earnings and being an RA--but then, my dues were only 250/semester.

If the money is such a major concern, perhaps it's best to sit this year out once you know a little more about what your financial situation is like.

Before you get a job, there are all kinds of rules and regulations for foriegn students. You may want to look into those.

Good luck, and enjoy the USA.