The economy and NPC Recruitment at very large/competitive Greek schools

[28StGreek]

I would like to apologize in advance for any generalizations, assumptions, unintended implications, etc that this post may present. It should be noted it was inspired by a post-graduation day conversation among Sorority women that was most definitely clouded with much Champagne consumption :-P

We were wondering how the recruiting landscape would change at USC this coming fall, and then going forward to next year with AGD's return. Over the past few years there has been growth with increasing numbers of PNMs/larger quotas. Then last fall, it seemed interest in NPC recruitment was really down compared to 2010.

The economy possibly has an effect on incoming girls' at SC decision to not take part in Greek Life due to the added financial burden of dues. Or even just the Recruitment registration fee alone. Even if compared to other living arrangements either on or off-campus at USC, living in Greek accomadation is actually a pretty good deal with the cost of living in LA these days.
But of course there are the 'extra' costs of buying Deliveries (a major Greek tradition at USC), philanthropy tanks, plus dresses for Monday Night Dinners, Formals, Invites, Exchanges, Date Dashes etc.

Then we remembered a talk during an Order of Omega retreat about how the profile of the incoming freshman class at USC was beginning to change from what might generally be the stereotypical SC student of the past. To put it simplistically, the new freshman was essentially more academic oriented, increasingly on some sort of financial aid/merit scholarship, and possibly just not interested in the benefits of Greek Life. The point of the talk was to come up with strategies to change the way recruitment was marketed in order to keep Going Greek 'attractive'. Especially with finances being an important factor when consdering private school tuition.

Obviously USC has one of the largest and strongest Greek communities and traditions west of the Mississippi so its unlikely there would be a significant drop in interest, but who knows what the future will be like these days?
Then I got thinking about the large, Greek strongholds in the SEC, Texas, etc, as well as any other schools in the country with for the lack of a better descriptor have a 'Southern' style full frills rush. I assume the financial burden of recruitment at these schools are a lot greater than at smaller or 'less' competitive schools. And while the NPC is trying to encourage a move away from all the frills, I know tradition is hard to break. And while I know almost all the super competitive schools are state schools tuition fees are generally increasing year on year.

So will a continued uncertain economy shake up the way Greek Life is maintained, and by extension the pageantry of 'Southern' NPC Recruitment? What could the implications mean for the National Orgs which will have invested a lot in the major expansion at Alabama and the upcoming ones at Arkansas? Or is it that since joining a Sorority is such a big part of the college experience at these campuses that for families with daughters heading to these schools would have planned/budgeted for the cost of dues/Sorority life as they would budget for text books?

Am I making any sense? Should I cut down on my celebratory activities?
One final note, I'd like to congratulate all the women who have recently acquired alumna status this weekend!

Panhellenic Love
28StGreek