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How I paid dues:
I was on scholarship and financial aid. My parents were not a part of my college finances. I also worked yearround at various parttime jobs and had a small savings. Through this combination of scholarships, student loans and jobs, I was able to pay for all of my college expenses, including my sorority.
Your first semester of membership will include a one-time new member fee. After that, your dues are less.
Also, living in and being on a meal plan are the most cost-effective in terms of living on campus. Comparitively, it is more often than not a big bargain to be a live-in and eat on the sorority meal plan than to live in the dorms with a campus meal plan, or to live off campus and cook for yourself.
Sororities have payment plans, and the chapter treasurer will work with you to develop one that suits your best interests, if conventional payment plans don't work. I believe now that some groups are allowing you to pay dues by credit card, as well, which is an option if you don't have the cash upfront.
Good luck! Make sure to look carefully at the sororities' dues during recruitment and see which ones are the most realistic for your budget. Ask questions about dues at the sororities, and call USC's office of Greek Life prior to recruitment with any specific questions you may have. (One suggestion: at a recruitment party, don't make a face and exclaim, "Oh I can't afford your dues" or "Oh this is going to be too expensive. Oh well, see ya." Just be gracious and smile and keep your options open, and assure your recruiter that yes, she has explained the chapter dues very well and you understand the financial responsibilities of membership. That's all. No need to give any outward hints you may cut the house because of dues; you may find out that night that you are getting a cash bonus from some source; ie: mom changed her mind, perhaps!, and it is a possibility!)
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