<p>I can't find it anywhere on the Panhellenic website, but does anyone know what sorority dues typically are? I'm trying to decide if I'm going to rush and thats gonna be a big factor in my decision.</p>
<p>Swoopes,
There is a range of costs as each sorority includes slightly different things. Generally the first semester is the most expensive as it includes pledge fees, your jeweled sorority pin, manuals, social fees, a certain number of meals, (particularly on Mondays), a possible retreat off campus and miscellaneous costs.</p>
<pre><code>According to the website posted previously:
Range for new members living outside the chapter house:
$1460 to $2890 per semester
Range for initiated members living in the chapter house:
$3327 to $4320 per semester
Note that after moving in the chapter house it is less expensive than living in the dorms.
Payment plans can be worked out with each individual chapter.
</code></pre>
<p>Georgia Girl, would you happen to know approximately the dues for fraternities, both for pledges and current actives?</p>
<p>Akal- The dues for my fraternity are $1700 for actives and $1750 for pledges. We get 13 meals a week with this. I would say this is roughly average for the houses I know about.</p>
<p>does the sorority payment include meals even first year when you aren’t living in? also this is a more genral sorority question but how many “hidden fees” are there associate with greek life? for example, i’ve heard that every other day you’re shelling out money for a tshirt for some event, or you have to get some kind of attire to wear to a theme party? can anyone speak for this?</p>
<p>Swoopes,
A fraternity member now at SC wrote to some of the sorority women and asked about the “extra” costs. He heard from three chapters.
There was a response from active members. Some costs are to be expected as in any social group. However, these range from T shirts at $10.00 to a gift to a Big Sister which can be about $30.00. The sorority women wrote that costumes were available from members or from the thrift shops. There appears to be much borrowing of outfits among the girls for events.
As I mentioned gifts can be very modest in price. It is the thought that counts. Picture frames, notebooks with sorority logo, coffee mugs, stationery, small scrapbook, photos, etc. can be used. From what the girls wrote budgets are tight and nobody is expecting expensive and elaborate gifts.
One member wrote their chapter had a large closet of white gowns donated by alumnae which can be worn for Presents. This saves the cost of a white gown for an one time event. One member wrote some of the girls who sew made outfits very inexpensively for costume parties…surprise!
This is certainly a question you should ask at sorority orientation in August.</p>
<p>Hmm, so I sent in my deposit to rush. So excited! BUT, I never got any info in the mail- I though we were supposed to? I was looking forward to reading about it. Anyone?</p>
<p>My daughter hasn’t received anything yet either. I heard that info should be out this week.</p>
<p>I think you can find the pamphlet online at the [University</a> of Southern California Panhellenic](<a href=“http://www.uscpanhellenic.com%5DUniversity”>http://www.uscpanhellenic.com) website. If not, I`m not sure why you didn’t get it in the mail- I think it should have been out awhile ago? But perhaps they’re sending it out later this year.
Also, to answer someones question earlier about meals. Some sororities, once you have received a bid/paid your dues, allow you to come to any meal you would like. Others, however, only allow their new members/non live-ins to come to the Monday Night Dinners and perhaps one other meal. This is definitely a question you should ask during rush.
Also, as for the "hidden fees," at first I was very overwhelmed with the amount of "extra money" I was seemingly putting into the house, however I then realized I didn't NEED to get every item of clothing for every event (and you aren't alone if you don't order something, promise!) and I started shopping for themed exchanged/events at the UV or Goodwill, or borrowing something! Once you get smarter about things, your $$ spent will decrease dramatically. Also- another $$ thing about sororities, is that once you live in, it is actually cheaper to live in the house than to live in USC housing. Just an interesting side note!
**Also, all sororities dues will be made available to all girls rushing. They will either be sent out ahead of time or passed out during rush, I`m not sure which- however I know everyone will be made aware of these! </p>
<p>Hope I helped!! 
See you during rush!</p>
<p>Hey, thanks for that ^, and I got the sorority rush pamphlet in the mail today.</p>
<p>How important are letters of rec for sororities?</p>