Welcome to GreekChat!
First, let me reassure you that AEPhi
does not haze. We have a strong anti-hazing policy... if a chapter hazes its new members, it can lose its charter.
There's an overview of the new member program on the AEPhi website. It's not rude to ask about the program, as long as you don't ask specific questions about ritual - but if you want to know about the time commitment and such, ask away. If you're concerned about hazing, you may want to ask, but they will probably tell you what I just told you - AEPhi does not haze.
As for dues - if you take housing out of the equation, your first semester is always the most expensive, because you have to pay initiation fees, buy a badge, etc. I think my first semester ran around $500, and subsequent semesters around $250 (this was 10 years ago, though, and my chapter did not have a house). If you do join, you can work out a payment plan with the treasurer, so that you don't have to cough up $500 (or whatever) right away.
Good luck.