After attending my schools orientation weekend I had the opportunity to talk with many of the on campus organizations. I had never put much thought into joining a sorority, but after talking to some of the girls, it seems like something I would enjoy being a part of. However, my parents are not quite as on board with the idea, or rather the idea of paying for it. I understand their concern at paying out of pocket for what really amounts to a social organization.
I tried finding information about the costs of joining by going to the website of each chapter at my university, but unfortunately none provide any information.
I was wondering if it would be realistic for me to work enough hours at a part time job near minimum wage to pay for the sorority costs, of course on top of 17 credit hours, studying, and all the other demands that come with college life. Input from anyone with personal experience or knowledge would be greatly appreciated!
Costs can vary significantly among different sororities at the same campus. Your school’s panhellenic office should have this information. Check your university website for a link (it may also be called office of Greek life) or the phone number, and ask them.
It is very school specific. Both of my girls joined the same sorority at their school. When they didn’t live in the house, annual dues were few thousand $. When they lived in the house it was actually cheaper than if they lived on campus. There maybe more clothing costs because of more parties (formals), but a lot of girls borrow each other’s clothes.
Agreed. Costs vary school to school and sorority to sorority. At my D’s college financial information was provided during the recruitment process. My D’s sorority was quite reasonable but some can get very expensive. You can try calling the office of Greek Life at the college to try and get some estimates.
Also find out if there other expected costs…like buying presents for your “big sister” or the like.
In looking at costs be sure to look at a break down, not a total amount. Sometimes the total yearly costs includes sorority housing and meal plans. You may want to subtract part or all of this back out since you would be paying for some sort of housing and food even if you aren’t in a sorority. These might be more than if you were in regular dorms or off campus housing, but it may be a wash.
Does your campus sororities have houses? Or suites in university dorms? that’s the biggest difference in cost. Sororities that have houses have higher costs.
None of the sororities have houses so hopefully that will bring down the cost!