[DrPhil]

I strongly encourage the OP to not take seriously anything that has been typed in this thread other than "it varies by organization" (it isn't a matter of fraternity vs. sorority) and "talk to the specific chapters of the fraternities."

For instance, some chapters across the country offer payment plans because some sororities and fraternities offer payment plans. However, I would not say that most do, across councils and conferences. Across councils and conferences, many chapters on many campuses do not have payment plans and are not flexible because many GLOs do not have payment plans and are not flexible. Many GLOs, and therefore chapters, operate on the notion of it doesn't matter how you get the money together (i.e., you are your own payment plan when you gradually pay your bank account), just pay the money before the final deadline.