Sorority 101: Paying Your Dues - How Much Does it REALLY Costs to be a Sister?

Throughout the month of August, UniversityChic.com will be offering tips, tricks (and the REAL 411) about what you can expect when rushing a sorority. Each of the articles you see here are written by actual current and former sorority sisters, so the information provided is from an insider's perspective.

By Kelly Leslie, San Francisco State University

While being in a sorority is one of the greatest experiences college has to offer, it can also be a very costly if you’re a student on a fixed budget...or if you’re attempting to pay for it all on your own without the help of your parents.  Most likely, you’ll find that making a timely investment in the sisterhood extends to monetary costs you might not have even considered.   

Initiation and Dues

The largest fee you will pay when joining a sorority is your initiation fee and your dues.  You may be asked to pay each one separately or in a lump sum (that’s what my sorority does).  In my case, all new members are required to pay an annual due of  $1,200.00, but for returning ‘active’ members, it only costs $800.00. This works as an incentive to discourage members from dropping out or going inactive for a year.  Keep in mind, payment plans can vary greatly from every two weeks, monthly, per semester, and annually. Some sororities like mine will also work with you to come up with a personal payment plan if any of these don’t work with your budget.  Obviously this is something you should research before you commit yourself and find you’re forced to live on water and ramen noodles.

Sorority “Extras”

Most sororities are ‘all inclusive’.  This means that if you attend an official event, your dues will likely cover all your expenses. But keep in mind that doesn’t include a lot of things that are considered unspoken “extras” or necessary evils.  It won’t cover your date’s tickets for events, or the new outfit you will want to buy.  It also doesn’t cover any gift exchange that you do, or unofficial outings with the girls, like going to the movies or out to dinner.  The amount you spend on these things ultimately depends on how involved you want to be.  Plan on spending an extra $30.00 to $70.00 for scheduled calendar events and make sure you put aside $20.00 -$30.00 a week for “socializing” time with your sisters.

Dressing Like a Sister

Many times, your sorority will want you to dress in uniform.  They will provide you with house letters and any T-shirts that are needed, but there are also some basic items that you will need to purchase in anticipation of other events like rush (such as denim skirts, or a certain color high heel).  No, you won’t need a new outfit for EVERY major party or social, but you will need to stock up on a lot of basics to ensure you meet mandatory dress code requirements.  

Housing

Think your dorm is expensive? The cost of living in your sorority’s house can often be double that of your initial initiation fee per semester. Typically, second-year sisters and the sorority’s executive board all live under one roof in an official greek residence, or off-campus depending on local ordinances and housing availability. On the flipside, it can be even more expensive to find housing on your own if your school is located near a major city like New York, Chicago, Boston, or San Francisco. Once you factor in $1300.00 to $1700.00 per month for an apartment, furniture, utilities, and food, paying a lump sum of $6,000 - $8,000 a year (meals included) seems pretty reasonable by comparison.
 

Like any investment in life,  joining a sorority can appear financially daunting when looking at the overall big picture. Again, while cost can play a major factor in your choice, be realistic about what you hope to gain from becoming a sister  If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the entire experience, then paying a little extra shouldn't  be a big deal. If you’re looking for a fun way to meet new people and socialize?  Well...don't feel bad if other options like becoming active in your dorm, joining a school club, or taking up a team sport fit more into your financial framework.

For me, joining a sorority was a no-brainer, but  you should definitely weigh the pros and cons carefully before you commit yourself to something you ultimately might not be able to afford.