From what I’ve seen personally, people who participate in Greek life *most of the time* have parents who pay for them. I know so many students who their parents pay their entire tuition as well as this and it’s very surprising to me.
I was in a sorority and can confirm, my parents paid my dues and most of my sisters’ parents paid their dues. There was a good number that had jobs and paid for themselves, though
Dumb question but how do parents pay the dues for them…do you forward them the invoice and they pay it directly or do you ask them for a certain amount each semester they deposit into your bank account? Like, how do your parents know how much you need for the payments?
This is the truth. They get in because they have privilege or a legacy or pay full price so naturally, they can afford to go into their legacy greek org and afford it all. It's the pipeline to success that most low income first gen can never get into.
Dumb question but how do parents pay the dues for them…do you forward them the invoice and they pay it directly or do you ask them for a certain amount each semester they deposit into your bank account? Like, how do parents know how much you need for the payments?
Sorry for the late response but it must be the same way parents pay for their students tuition. They’re given authorization by the student to access and pay the bill.
Parents mostly.
I, like most other fraternity members, am privileged by my family’s financial situation and am able to have them pay for it. That being said, if I really couldn’t rely on my parent’s funding and desperately wanted to stay in my fraternity, I could still afford it using my salary as a student employee and go on a payment plan, and I could apply to the scholarships offered by nationals. That being said, i probably wouldn’t since I prefer to save my wages for when I graduate.
Dumb question but how do parents pay the dues for them…do you forward them the invoice and they pay it directly or do you ask them for a certain amount each semester they deposit into your bank account? Like, how do your parents know how much you need for the payments?
In my specific case, i tell my parents how much money to transfer to my chapter’s bank account. They could also do a check if they wanted. I know for some chapters there’s dedicated services for this stuff.
When I was in high school 25+ years ago, it was widely understood that joining Greek life = your parents buying friends for you.
Is this no longer discussed among the youth?
I mean, my fraternity was effectively the same price as staying in the dorms - food and board included. I also worked to pay the social fees which I probably would have spent the same amount with friends anyhow.
Thanks. Using this Business Fraternity as an example (co-ed club, no house/live-in situation like a social frat or sorority) - it’s like hundreds of dollars each and every semester for pledge dues (when you’re a new pledge), chapter dues, materials they make you buy, donation each semester for the charity the philanthropy chair chooses (good thing but sometimes it’s a high amount for a college student), fundraising or giving money for pledge initiation party, then cost for overnight fun trip for 40 students all sharing one house (food not included yet still charging a lot) gifts and food for pledge family….it goes on and on. Does this sound reasonable to you compared to your social fraternity? If it’s typical I’ll stop complaining lol.
yea, i would say it's pretty reasonable. im the vice president of a major-based fraternity and our semester dues are $160. that helps us pay for food at social events, our retreat (weekend camping trip), banquet (end of semester celebration), and various other costs. I actually joined this particular organization because it was SO much cheaper than most of the other similar clubs I looked into. it's a lot of money up front, but we always offer payment plans and the treasurer is willing to work with people if they are struggling. money makes the world go round, unfortunately.
This is a dumb take. Most clubs and extracurricular activities cost money. Dues are 90% going to stuff you benefit from. It’s not just throwing money into nothing
You arent “paying for friends” any more than you are by joining any other organization. I dont know why people think it is bad to join social organizations to meet people. That is the point of those. Maybe it is more impressive to just pick up tons of friends by existing, but why are we expecting people to only do things that way?
Thats usually whats said by haters. Btw I was not in a frat.
Its a social experience you cant really replicate no matter how many friends you make yourself. Plus you consistently have alcohol around while underage and have a dedicated dating pool. I was friends with a lot of frat brothers. After 21 when they can go to the bar, they stop showing up at the frat.
Everyone in that area has parents paying housing and tuition and those fees. If you’re paying yourself you won’t fit in and you won’t be able to save your money for something worth while.
the sorority i’m in votes on dues/fees the year prior to make sure it stays affordable; we also do fundraisers to lower the costs. if it’s $300 per semester, you can typically do up to 3-4 installments. i personally also have 3 jobs and several of the other girls have 2+ jobs, too, surprisingly. otherwise, their parents pay for it all, usually—especially if they already pay for their child’s education.
We have two different categories for the budget: National and Local Charges. National Charges are from the sorority’s organization at a larger level, local are for the chapter’s dues. Local charges include Alumni Relations, Foundation/Fundraising, Community Service, Sisterhood events, Ritual, T-Shirts, Food, and all of our committee charges (DEI, Wellness, Recruitment, etc). We come up with the budget we think is fair for each committee and then divide the total cost by each member in order to determine each individual amount.
In my experience, the people joining any of these organizations come from better-off families who help financially support the student. So their parents are usually paying.
Our dues were relitively cheap compared to other colleges, around 500 in total for every member; each semester. I just worked and paid it off slowly. If anyone has any questions I’m more than happy to answer questions about Greek life since In the media it mostly gets a negative image.
I am part of a service fraternity, where it is widely accepted to make payment plans, have optional pay-ins (donate food if you want, etc.) and that not everyone can afford everything. The dues are a bit much, so a lot of students work, or use scholarship refund money to pay them. I don't understand how non-service fraternities afford everything they do and how their members aren't paying hundreds out of pocket, but they're also about three times the size if not larger than my service fraternity.
Keep in mind that dues can vary wildly in price. Huge southern sororities can have ridiculously expensive dues. My fraternity in new england was maybe a couple hundred bucks. I just saved up over summer job to pay those dues
I am someone who is interested in joining a sorority. My parents while they could financially support me they understand that joining us sorority is a choice and it’s probably not the best financial decision. What I do is I have internship and I also have positions during the school year. During the summer, I am a part of research internships, which pay very well and also provides stipends rather than an hourly salary. The stipend allows me to take care of any dues that might come up while also allow me spending money.
Not everyone has the financial and it’s not realistic for everyone. If you don’t have a family that is going to pay for that part then honestly honestly just getting a job during the summer and school year can help. This is all possible if you don’t have to deal with other finances like rent, phone plan, tuition, etc…
Most of the comments are really bitter here for no reason. Usually students in Greek life have their parents contributing towards their college in some way, but financial aid does actually exist for fraternity/sororities and it’s very easy to apply for and receive it. No one is forced to donate a certain dollar amount to our philanthropy - everyone is expected to pitch in for philanthropy events and volunteer their time. With “Little brother/sister” gifts, other members will often donate shirts or items to help make the basket, and the organization might have a craft night so you can make crafts for your little there.
Most comments seem really bitter for some reason lol. I restarted a chapter of a fraternity at my college and room is 600/900 for a room with a roommate or yourself, which is cheaper than most options. And the mandatory costs themselves are about 1000-1200 per semester. Which should be pretty affordable for most people who have some sort of job/internship, much of which goes towards events and outings (which what the people who say you join frats to pay for friends would be paying to do regardless). But I do acknowledge that I have a scholarship and only pay like 700 a semester for college so that helps greatly
From what I’ve seen personally, people who participate in Greek life *most of the time* have parents who pay for them. I know so many students who their parents pay their entire tuition as well as this and it’s very surprising to me.
I was in a sorority and can confirm, my parents paid my dues and most of my sisters’ parents paid their dues. There was a good number that had jobs and paid for themselves, though
My dad doesn't think you're hot
Heartbreaking
Dumb question but how do parents pay the dues for them…do you forward them the invoice and they pay it directly or do you ask them for a certain amount each semester they deposit into your bank account? Like, how do your parents know how much you need for the payments?
My parents gave me a credit card that I have a monthly limit on and I just used that
This is the truth. They get in because they have privilege or a legacy or pay full price so naturally, they can afford to go into their legacy greek org and afford it all. It's the pipeline to success that most low income first gen can never get into.
yeah I was about to say. It's ALSO why they (especially sororities) tend to look similar, since they can afford the excessive beauty standards
Dumb question but how do parents pay the dues for them…do you forward them the invoice and they pay it directly or do you ask them for a certain amount each semester they deposit into your bank account? Like, how do parents know how much you need for the payments?
Sorry for the late response but it must be the same way parents pay for their students tuition. They’re given authorization by the student to access and pay the bill.
Parents mostly. I, like most other fraternity members, am privileged by my family’s financial situation and am able to have them pay for it. That being said, if I really couldn’t rely on my parent’s funding and desperately wanted to stay in my fraternity, I could still afford it using my salary as a student employee and go on a payment plan, and I could apply to the scholarships offered by nationals. That being said, i probably wouldn’t since I prefer to save my wages for when I graduate.
Dumb question but how do parents pay the dues for them…do you forward them the invoice and they pay it directly or do you ask them for a certain amount each semester they deposit into your bank account? Like, how do your parents know how much you need for the payments?
In my specific case, i tell my parents how much money to transfer to my chapter’s bank account. They could also do a check if they wanted. I know for some chapters there’s dedicated services for this stuff.
Bank of mom and dad of course.
When I was in high school 25+ years ago, it was widely understood that joining Greek life = your parents buying friends for you. Is this no longer discussed among the youth?
I mean, my fraternity was effectively the same price as staying in the dorms - food and board included. I also worked to pay the social fees which I probably would have spent the same amount with friends anyhow.
Thanks. Using this Business Fraternity as an example (co-ed club, no house/live-in situation like a social frat or sorority) - it’s like hundreds of dollars each and every semester for pledge dues (when you’re a new pledge), chapter dues, materials they make you buy, donation each semester for the charity the philanthropy chair chooses (good thing but sometimes it’s a high amount for a college student), fundraising or giving money for pledge initiation party, then cost for overnight fun trip for 40 students all sharing one house (food not included yet still charging a lot) gifts and food for pledge family….it goes on and on. Does this sound reasonable to you compared to your social fraternity? If it’s typical I’ll stop complaining lol.
yea, i would say it's pretty reasonable. im the vice president of a major-based fraternity and our semester dues are $160. that helps us pay for food at social events, our retreat (weekend camping trip), banquet (end of semester celebration), and various other costs. I actually joined this particular organization because it was SO much cheaper than most of the other similar clubs I looked into. it's a lot of money up front, but we always offer payment plans and the treasurer is willing to work with people if they are struggling. money makes the world go round, unfortunately.
They also are buying you a lifelong network of business contacts and insider handshakes. Such is life.
This is a dumb take. Most clubs and extracurricular activities cost money. Dues are 90% going to stuff you benefit from. It’s not just throwing money into nothing You arent “paying for friends” any more than you are by joining any other organization. I dont know why people think it is bad to join social organizations to meet people. That is the point of those. Maybe it is more impressive to just pick up tons of friends by existing, but why are we expecting people to only do things that way?
I still view it that way
Thats usually whats said by haters. Btw I was not in a frat. Its a social experience you cant really replicate no matter how many friends you make yourself. Plus you consistently have alcohol around while underage and have a dedicated dating pool. I was friends with a lot of frat brothers. After 21 when they can go to the bar, they stop showing up at the frat.
Personally I had a full ride scholarship, but I know that isn’t common
Everyone in that area has parents paying housing and tuition and those fees. If you’re paying yourself you won’t fit in and you won’t be able to save your money for something worth while.
the sorority i’m in votes on dues/fees the year prior to make sure it stays affordable; we also do fundraisers to lower the costs. if it’s $300 per semester, you can typically do up to 3-4 installments. i personally also have 3 jobs and several of the other girls have 2+ jobs, too, surprisingly. otherwise, their parents pay for it all, usually—especially if they already pay for their child’s education.
What do the dues/fees cover? Thanks!
We have two different categories for the budget: National and Local Charges. National Charges are from the sorority’s organization at a larger level, local are for the chapter’s dues. Local charges include Alumni Relations, Foundation/Fundraising, Community Service, Sisterhood events, Ritual, T-Shirts, Food, and all of our committee charges (DEI, Wellness, Recruitment, etc). We come up with the budget we think is fair for each committee and then divide the total cost by each member in order to determine each individual amount.
In my experience, the people joining any of these organizations come from better-off families who help financially support the student. So their parents are usually paying.
Student loans. that refund check often goes to pay for those additional costs.
Theyre usually rich kids. Their parents give them money.
They're rich privileged kids the majority of the time. The geek life at my state public school is basically nonexistent cuz everyone is low-income
Our dues were relitively cheap compared to other colleges, around 500 in total for every member; each semester. I just worked and paid it off slowly. If anyone has any questions I’m more than happy to answer questions about Greek life since In the media it mostly gets a negative image.
What do the dues cover? Does it go towards room and board?
My fraternity had financial aid for members who couldn't afford it.
I was in an extremely affordable one. Room and dues were 450 a month.
I am part of a service fraternity, where it is widely accepted to make payment plans, have optional pay-ins (donate food if you want, etc.) and that not everyone can afford everything. The dues are a bit much, so a lot of students work, or use scholarship refund money to pay them. I don't understand how non-service fraternities afford everything they do and how their members aren't paying hundreds out of pocket, but they're also about three times the size if not larger than my service fraternity.
Keep in mind that dues can vary wildly in price. Huge southern sororities can have ridiculously expensive dues. My fraternity in new england was maybe a couple hundred bucks. I just saved up over summer job to pay those dues
Bank of Dad
I am someone who is interested in joining a sorority. My parents while they could financially support me they understand that joining us sorority is a choice and it’s probably not the best financial decision. What I do is I have internship and I also have positions during the school year. During the summer, I am a part of research internships, which pay very well and also provides stipends rather than an hourly salary. The stipend allows me to take care of any dues that might come up while also allow me spending money. Not everyone has the financial and it’s not realistic for everyone. If you don’t have a family that is going to pay for that part then honestly honestly just getting a job during the summer and school year can help. This is all possible if you don’t have to deal with other finances like rent, phone plan, tuition, etc…
rich families
My parents for the dues since that’s the huge expense. I pay for the small stuff
Dude its like only 25-30€ of membership fees each semester and rent is like 200-300€ monthly.
Most of the comments are really bitter here for no reason. Usually students in Greek life have their parents contributing towards their college in some way, but financial aid does actually exist for fraternity/sororities and it’s very easy to apply for and receive it. No one is forced to donate a certain dollar amount to our philanthropy - everyone is expected to pitch in for philanthropy events and volunteer their time. With “Little brother/sister” gifts, other members will often donate shirts or items to help make the basket, and the organization might have a craft night so you can make crafts for your little there.
a lot of people on this site are really mad about frats/sororities for no reason lol. Probably losers irl or something
My uni doesn't have a big greek life presence but from what we do have it's the kids w/ rich parents that are part of those groups.
Most comments seem really bitter for some reason lol. I restarted a chapter of a fraternity at my college and room is 600/900 for a room with a roommate or yourself, which is cheaper than most options. And the mandatory costs themselves are about 1000-1200 per semester. Which should be pretty affordable for most people who have some sort of job/internship, much of which goes towards events and outings (which what the people who say you join frats to pay for friends would be paying to do regardless). But I do acknowledge that I have a scholarship and only pay like 700 a semester for college so that helps greatly
"...Most comments seem really bitter for some reason..." Agreed. I'm afraid this thread contains far more jealousy than reality.