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The large endowments at those universities are under scrutiny, primarily by members of congress, and so many more of them will start to offer such tuition plans. The reality is, they can do this and their endowments will not be hurt. Especially when you consider that those students will be able to be generous to the school immediately because they likely will not have student loans and feelings toward their alma mater may be generally more warm and fuzzy.
As far as fraternities and sororities go, endowments are incredibly beneficial, something alumni need to consider when asked to give. An endowment helps secure the future of the entire organization by providing a consistent stream of income for educational and philanthropic programming, a large chunk of the organizational budget. And its not just endowments, but gifts in general that subsidize membership dues in many organizations--I know there are several sorority Conventions where the members pay a minimal amount to attend because the programming is almost entirely funded by foundation gifts or endowments. And away from conventions, there are many, many fraternity/sorority programs that have been "sponsored by" an individual or organization, ensuring that the cost is not passed on to members.
Gifts to fraternities and sororities are absolutely vital to ensuring that our organizations remain relevant and that the cost remains affordable. Something we all need to remember long after graduation...
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