Sorority and Fraternity Costs

[WonderWoman]

I am thinking about rushing next semester, but I am not sure how much sororities and fraternities cost. I am a legacy for Delta Gamma, but I don't know if sororities are too expensive for my budget. Can someone help me out with this? Thanks!

[PenguinTrax]

The best way to find out about costs is to contact the Greek Life office on your campus. They will have average fees for the sororities on campus. A number of factors will apply: is there a chapter house or lodge and will you be required to live there and eat meals at the house (keep in mind, though, that this means you won't be paying for dorm food or lodging). The national fees vary from sorority to sorority, so that makes a difference as well.

My advice to you is to check out the costs before Rushing - even though they are required to disclose the costs during Rush, if you know up front that you and your parents can't afford it, you shouldn't go through Rush.

Also keep in mind that even if you are a legacy, that is not a guarantee that you will receive a bid from that sorority. Rush with an open mind and pledge where you heart feels most at home.



------------------
Fraternally,
Barbara

If you have to go around telling everyone you're in charge you're not
much of a leader.

[cbroom]

The costs are different for each house at each campus. There are one that pay outrageous amounts, but I only pay $30 per month. Talk to the active Greeks o your campus to find out, or contact the Greek Life office, they should have that information.

CFB
Chi Phi
Psi Zeta '01

[gphiangel]

I just joined and our dues are some what expensive,i pay $60 a month for 6 monthes, but they are worth it. we do alot of things to help the community and the money helps do it. If you ask me i'd pay more if they raised the dues but check with the organization and see if they can put you on a payment plan that helps if you have a limited budget.

[SilverTurtle]

My chapter's dues were very small, mostly because we didn't reside in a house. However, we still made every effort to meet needs of members who couldn't afford them. (Working out payment plans or what-have-you).

[Jae]

Wow your dues are low! I'm a Delta Chi from Ohio State and my dues are $260 per month if you live in the house, $385 per month if you don't, and I know other greeks whose dues are higher.

[PiKappPlayer]

Count yourselves all very lucky to be paying that little. The Real Estate prices in California are crazy espeically in the Bay Area where I go to school at UC Berkeley. I pay $680 a month for dues, rent, and food at our house. Which believe it or not is actually $2000 cheaper than living in the the dorms, but a lot more fun. Pricing is relative I am sure Pi Kapp's at other schools pay far less.

[vtqt79]

Wow I think everyone can count themslves lucky. My sorority is new on campus (one year) and we just got lucky enough to purchase a house for us instead of waiting for on campus housing (Special Purpose housing space for us would not taken place till 2008). But when the chapter found out how much it would be to have the house we all turned it down. It would have been $300 a semester even if you didn't live in the house on top of the $300 a semester that we pay in dues and if you had lived in the house it would have been $400 a month to live there plus the $300 a semester for housing and $300 a semester in dues. As much as we would like to stay a top house and stay there, there was just NO way for us to be able to pay that much...so we are still waiting....

[mwedzi]

My goodness, i had no idea some people's dues were that high. I never really knew, first-hand, the financial exclusiveness of joining some houses. We have a house (though we did't when I pledged) and our dues were small fractions of what I heard on this board. And I'm from a small chapter, too. I mean, if the house note is, say $1000/month, and you have a house of 50 members, how can it add up to so much (these figures are not the case in my house, let me say)? I just don't understand.

[SoCalGirl]

Mwedzi- If the house rent was $1000/month I wouldn't understand how it could get too high either. But you have to add on utilities, food, insurance, etc. etc.

But how you'd find a house for $1000/month for 50 members, that's what I'd like to see.

We don't have houses at my school. Part of the reason is that we'd want a house near school. That means La Jolla, CA. In La Jolla you can't get a 3 bedroom 2 bath for less than a couple million dollars. It's mostly beach front and all expensive as hell. We'd have to have a house that is no where near school to get the size we'd need. And we'd still be looking at millions of dollars.

[equeen]

Wow...and I thought $60 per semester was a lot! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

[-sketchball-]

it costs $1400/yr to belong to my chapter, plus you have to purchase a 6-meal plan whether or not you live in the house. you pay about $2000/yr more in rent if you want to live in the house, plus you must pay for the full-board plan if you live in.

[This message has been edited by -sketchball- (edited July 05, 2000).]

[mwedzi]

I don't know anything about other sorority's or fraternity's situations, so I guess I can't be presumptous. We were less than 20, though, and managed to carry a house for relatively small dues. The house was only for 6 people to live in and they divied up the rent since they got the housing, though we all contributed to utilities and food. We were all pretty poor, so none of us would have been able to be in a sorority if it had been that expensive. i would have really missed out.

anyway, as others have said, all groups will let you know before during rush. It does take money at almost every place, though.

[SiKeS]

Here are some averages I got from Mizzou.. Keep in mind these are probably a few years outdated...

The AVERAGE costs are:
Sorority First Year
In-house: $4,380
Out-of-house: $1,400

Sorority Second Year and Following
In-house: $3,955
Out-of-house: $1,055

Fraternity Costs
In-house: $4,395


And I doubt thats including others fees.. (national dues, initiation fee, etc)

[Mandelion]

At my school I think it ranges from about 250-600 a semester.
Obviously, as you can see from how different everyone's dues are, you should visit the Greek Life office at your school.

Good Luck :)

[xonikki]

My first two semesters were almost $600, but now that I've been in it, they've dropped down to $370 or something like that and will be closer to $300 when I live in next year. Our dues are some of the cheaper ones on campus, as some have almost $1000 for their first semester dues. But to live in the house for a year I'll pay $6500, which I've heard is more expensive than some.

[Adelphean]

Wow.... big difference from chapter to chapter/ sorority to sorority...

I attend school at a mid-size campus...
I pay $73/month for dues...
PLUS various other fees...

My first semester, after initiation fees, dues, and other expenditures, set me back a little over $1200 (WELL WORTH IT)
My first semester was the most expensive...

If you live in house... you pay regular dues, other fees, and about $1900/semester for lodging.

-Lindsay
adpi

[FAUNikki]

FAU sororities range from 315-550 i beleive. My chapter is the least expensive at the moment. We have no houses either.

[dzandiloo]

Originally posted by WonderWoman
I am thinking about rushing next semester, but I am not sure how much sororities and fraternities cost. I am a legacy for Delta Gamma, but I don't know if sororities are too expensive for my budget. Can someone help me out with this? Thanks!

WonderWoman-I see you are from Austin. Does that mean you are thinking of rushing at UT? I don't know first hand, but I have a friend who is a UT-DG alum, and from what I gather, being a sorority woman at Texas isn't cheap, so you should count on them being on the higher end of the spectrum (my brother was in a fraternity there, but they were unhoused, so their dues were considerably lower than the other fraternities).

Definitely contact the office of Greek Life for more specific info. Also--if you do decide to rush at UT, exploit that DG legacy for everything it's worth b/c UT rush is extremely competitive. Good luck to you!

[GeekyPenguin]

Y'all do realize this thread is from 1999, right?

[Rudey]

Originally posted by GeekyPenguin
Y'all do realize this thread is from 1999, right?

LOL

-Rudey
--Nah

[dzandiloo]

Originally posted by GeekyPenguin
Y'all do realize this thread is from 1999, right?

Dear lord! OK. Forget what I said...
note to self: always check date of first post in thread....

[SiKeS]

It's old. That's okay. There can always be info to be learned or to add... Honestly I think that adding to an old post is much more useful that just starting a new one... *shrug*

-Matt

[TPARose]

WOW. Thats all I can say. I know that my sisters dues where more expensive then mine, but I thought that I my dues were a lot already. We pay 200 a semester if you live out of the suite, 180 if you live in the suite. Granted, this doesnt include tshirts of formals and that kind of stuff, but this way, if you can not go to the formal, you are not forced to pay for it. Most everybody goes anyways.

I heard that in some places down south, the dues can get up to 3000 a semester. yikes. But its worth it!

[Buttonz]

Wow! At a commuter school no dorms we pay $350 first semster and after that $200 a semster. Why is it so high you might ask? It includes everything but formal. Meaning shirts, mixers, etc. As a spring pledge we also had formal so my first semster set me back close to a grand when you add is all the other stuff that needs to be done during a NM process...but it was worth it.

[ASTLuv21]

Originally posted by Mandelion
At my school I think it ranges from about 250-600 a semester.
Obviously, as you can see from how different everyone's dues are, you should visit the Greek Life office at your school.

Good Luck :)

Wow! :eek: Our Chapter, New Member dues are $250 and they only pay it once obviously and then active dues are between $150-200 depending on our chapter budet and how much fundraising we do. We don't have a house either just for those who are curious. But at my school, we the cheapest on campus :D

[JasBoleen]

Ok, I know this is kind of a dated thread, but I don't want to start a new one and take up space...
I'll be rushing in the fall and I was wondering
For most sororities, are the dues usually due in one lump sum or broken down throughout the semester? I would be able to afford a little bit a month, but definitely not around $1000 at once, especially at the begininning of the semester!
**My school has the semester expenses listed on the greek life site, so I have a slight idea of what I'm getting myself (and my parents) into financially!
Thanks!

[OTW]

Originally posted by JasBoleen
Ok, I know this is kind of a dated thread, but I don't want to start a new one and take up space...
I'll be rushing in the fall and I was wondering
For most sororities, are the dues usually due in one lump sum or broken down throughout the semester? I would be able to afford a little bit a month, but definitely not around $1000 at once, especially at the begininning of the semester!
**My school has the semester expenses listed on the greek life site, so I have a slight idea of what I'm getting myself (and my parents) into financially!
Thanks!

Actually, a lot of us love it when our new users do a search! Usually if someone has a question, chances are someone else has asked it already...so your answer may already lie within these boards.

But to answer your question, I can't speak for all NPC chapters, but I'm pretty sure that each individual chapter has payment plans set up for their members. As a collegian I knew of a few girls who paid for their dues and fees in one big fat check (courtesy of mommy and daddy). I was on a payment plan as a new member and continued to pay for my dues monthly as an active member.

Your semester as a new member might seem overwhelming with all those new member and initiation fees, but keep in mind that you pay those fees only once.

Of course, you'll know for sure when you go through Recruitment. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions, that's what Recruitment's for!

[ISUKappa]

Originally posted by OohTeenyWahine
. . .Of course, you'll know for sure when you go through Recruitment. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions, that's what Recruitment's for!
To expand on OTW's post, many Greek offices on campuses have the financial information for each chapter, or at least an average, on file and/or in the recruitment book so you'll have somewhat of an idea what to expect.

Additionally, some campuses also use one of the days of recruitment to have each chapter hand out financial sheets with a breakdown of all chapter costs to all PMNs and encourage asking questions at that time. We had ours the same day we gave house tours but, of course, each campus is going to be different.

I, too, was on a payment plan with my chapter. If you're upfront and willing to work with the chapter, they're usually willing to work with you. :)

[ztabchbum]

Sorority Dues at Stetson range from $300 - $500 per semester. If you want to live in the house, it's only $500 more per semester than living in the dorms.

Dues usually include all of your normal fees (housing, insurance...ets.) shirts for rush, socials, and sister hood events.
The only things you have to pay for out of pocket (after dues) are formals (sometimes they will be covered), tshirts for socials (again, sometimes they will be covered) and other little misc. stuff.
Usually, everything is covered except for formal which usually runs about $45 per couple. :)

[WhiteDaisy128]

Sorority dues at NCSU range from $400 a semester to $1200 a semester. The average is around $700. Those DO NOT include rent for houses. Our houses are all owned by the University so we pay housing costs to University Housing. We vote on dues each semester so they go up and down a little each semester.

New member dues are always more expensive...but it's only for a year and it's SOOO worth it.

Good luck in making your decisons.

[reverie]

I have a quick question about dues:

Will each chapter specify if everything is included in dues or do some say their dues are less and then forget to tell you that's because it doesn't include shirts and formals?

Thanks!

[PenguinTrax]

Dues should be spelled out during Recruitment - they are required to disclose all costs. T-shirts, etc. are usually extras and not part of dues. When in doubt - ask!

[Bama_Alumna]

Dues should be spelled out during Recruitment - they are required to disclose all costs. T-shirts, etc. are usually extras and not part of dues. When in doubt - ask!

Just a word of warning: The above advice may be good at some schools, but not at Alabama. An "average" cost is given out with the recruitment information that Panhellenic sends out to all PNM's. I don't think that any chapter gives out specifics during the recruitment process. Furthermore, a PNM who inquires too much about financial aspects during recruitment--unless the chapter is well aware of her family's financial background-- is more likely to be cut because the chapter may fear that she would drop out due to financial reasons. It might not be fair, but it is true. I think that most actives reason that PNMs have been given estimates from Panhellenic and that if you know you can afford those numbers, you can afford any house. So, if you are going to Bama or a similar school, look CAREFULLY at those numbers you get from Panhellenic and use those as a guide. And don't bring up finances unless the actives bring it up first!

[AUDeltaGam]

For the new member semester, our dues are $600 and every semester afterwards is about $400.

[chideltjen]

I'm not saying you are going to attend CSUS, but here's what our Panhellenic website says:

"How much does it cost to be a member of a social fraternity or sorority?
Given the benefits provided, Greek membership is a bargain. However, students should consider the costs in planning their personal budgets. Chapter dues can range between $100 and $400 a semester. Every organization has their own budget and believe that members should not be excluded for financial reasons. First, you should ask each sorority about costs and then work with the organization to work our a payment plan. In most cases, the sorority can hold a fundraiser or help you find a job to help alleviate these costs. Bottom line- money should not be an issue in your decision to join."

I'm in a local, but our new member dues are a little over $200. Basically it pays for shirts, some of the gifts, pins, budgets for events, etc. Members pay around $150. HOWEVER, we can pay an arm and a leg for formal, which isn't covered in dues. But formal is optional so whether you pay that is up to you. Other misc. fees include t-shirts not already covered by dues, IM sport fees (I don't know if there are any, but just in case), costumes/outfits for recruitment/Greek Week/Skits/etc... and so on.

[ztabchbum]

ZTA at Stetson will tell you exactly what gets paid out of your dues and what is considered extra costs during formal recruitment. :)

[PenguinTrax]

Originally posted by Bama_Alumna
Just a word of warning: The above advice may be good at some schools, but not at Alabama. An "average" cost is given out with the recruitment information that Panhellenic sends out to all PNM's. I don't think that any chapter gives out specifics during the recruitment process. Furthermore, a PNM who inquires too much about financial aspects during recruitment--unless the chapter is well aware of her family's financial background-- is more likely to be cut because the chapter may fear that she would drop out due to financial reasons. It might not be fair, but it is true. I think that most actives reason that PNMs have been given estimates from Panhellenic and that if you know you can afford those numbers, you can afford any house. So, if you are going to Bama or a similar school, look CAREFULLY at those numbers you get from Panhellenic and use those as a guide. And don't bring up finances unless the actives bring it up first!

I probably need to check the Green Book, but I believe that NPC regs state that actual costs must be disclosed during Recruitment, prior to Preference. At FSU, this usually happens during the first or second invitational round. Actual costs are also published on the FSU Greek Life site.

[thermobryan]

Simple breakdown...I payed around 700/yr to be a pike at my school...Got a $80,000yr job out of school cause of a pike hookup, now thats a pay off...

[hannahgirl]

Originally posted by AUDeltaGam
For the new member semester, our dues are $600 and every semester afterwards is about $400.

Ours are about the same at Akron. I think that I paid about $340 a year after my first year.

The benefits definately outweigh any negatives. I know from my experience, I recieved a scholarship from our local fund every year after I pledged (one year in which I had a full ride) and also recieved a national scholarship for my last 2 years. So basically everything that I paid to be in DG has come right back to me and then some.

So if cost ever becomes an issue.....make sure you check into all of our resources before giving up on being a member of an organization.

[HappyGoLucky]

WOW, I have heard that avergage costs at UF are about 1500 for new members first semester and 1300 second semester, so about 2800 a year...maybe I'm mistaken.

[Kevin]

Originally posted by HappyGoLucky
WOW, I have heard that avergage costs at UF are about 1500 for new members first semester and 1300 second semester, so about 2800 a year...maybe I'm mistaken.

Most likely, that includes room, board, food, parking, membership costs. If you break down a figure like that -- especially if you break it down into months, it really isn't bad.

[oceanphi01]

New member dues for us here at Florida Tech are about $400, and I think that includes the parlor fees for the house that semester. In the fall the sisters pay about $200 in dues and $70 in parlor fees and in the spring we pay $150 in dues and $100 in parlor fees. Cheapest NPC on campus though....even with the house. Although I'm not sure how all this will change with Phi Sigma Sigma coming on this fall.

[KSUViolet06]

As a new member I'll pay about $650. After that it drops down considerably to about $350. These are different if you live in the house, and will change once our new house is complete. Our dues include extras like shirts, formals, etc.

ETA: Our Recruitment VP gives out a paper w/ the breakdown of dues during COB and actually explains everything to the rushees. During Formal Recruitment, ALL sororities are required to discuss costs (and give an estimate) of their group briefly during 3rd round house tours.

[A Random DphiE]

during the 3rd night of recruitment, all chapters on my campus are REQUIRED to post the breakdown of thier dues for all the pnm's to see...

my chapter dues are relatively low (from what i've seen posted) $250 a semester, $35 summer, formal, date dash, & shirts excluded.

(we might be getting a suite in the next year or two, so our dues might go up significantly... too bad i won't be an active to pay it! ;) )

editted to add:

our new member dues/fees are $185 (sister badge)+ $90 (initiation fees)

[aephi alum]

It's interesting to see the diversity in dues.

When I joined my local, dues were $100 for your pledge semester and $50/semester thereafter. The pledge semester dues included your pledge ring, badge, and sister shirt (matching lettered shirts in the sorority colors that were presented to the pledge class after initiation). I wasn't complaining about the low dues :) but the sorority had very little money in the bank.

When we went AEPhi, our dues for our new member semester became something like $450, and maybe $250/semester thereafter. We didn't have summer dues (no one did). That's still the least expensive on campus, mainly because the other four NPC sororities either had houses or were actively seeking housing and raised their dues in order to have money for a down payment.

ETA: During formal recruitment, we gave out little half-sheets of paper with the breakdown of dues for the new member semester and for a "regular" semester. This was the only thing PNMs could take with them. So PNMs knew right up front what they were in for.

Someone mentioned asking about finances during recruitment. A word of caution: At some schools, where rush is very competitive, asking about dues could get you cut (the "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" mentality). It would be safest to ask your rho chi if it's ok to ask about dues; if it's not, the rho chi may be able to provide high/low/average dues amounts, so you know what you're in for and don't get sticker shock and depledge when you get your first bill.

[Bama_Alumna]

I probably need to check the Green Book, but I believe that NPC regs state that actual costs must be disclosed during Recruitment, prior to Preference.

I would not be surprised if this were true and that the rule was being blatantly disregarded at Alabama. It wouldn't be the only NPC rule that isn't being followed! Here is a website with the breakdown of costs that our Panhellenic supplies each PNM:

http://bama.ua.edu/~npc/sorority%20life.htm

As far as I know, no house differs significantly from the total, although some may charge more for one thing than another. As far as I am aware, specific costs for each house are not discussed at any point during the recruitment process.

[Munchkin03]

I was Panhel President my senior year, and YES. The Green Book states that there must be full fee disclosure during Recruitment. I guess each school can decide for themselves what "disclosure" is: we had itemized lists for each sorority, and other schools probably use averages. Maybe if the information is already on the Internet (as 'Bama's is?) then it's considered "disclosure."

Basically, the whole point is that the girls shouldn't have to ask.

[BabyPiNK_FL]

I was planning on working through the summer but then my boss became evil :mad: and some other higher ups threatened me :mad: and I've had it so I resigned I'm sick of slaving for pennies from the man and the job didn't pay enough to make a dent in dues anyways...or so it seems.

The group I'm interested in is beginning to look sooooo expensive (even though I have a li'l saved up). I have my heart set on rushing in fall, and everybody knows it now, so now (against ALL plans/hopes/dreams) I'm looking for something I can do doing the summer that is not a permanent type job (meaning: not even full time and definitely not babysitting) because I really just want to relax most of the summer, rush week, and my first few weeks of being a pledge so I can really bond with my org.


P.S. I'm not broke or anything but no income=no money by fall and mom and dad think fraternities/sororities are for (well, I won't even say...)

I GOT A JOB ON WEEKENDS!!!! YAY!!!!!! And it's one that I will always love doing no matter what that I can earn more with so GO ME!

[Indie_Superstar]

Originally posted by GeekyPenguin
Y'all do realize this thread is from 1999, right?

Really? I wonder how Wonder Woman is doing right now......does anyone still talk to her? Did she end up going DG?

[33girl]

Originally posted by Indie_Superstar
Really? I wonder how Wonder Woman is doing right now......does anyone still talk to her? Did she end up going DG?

LOL

BabyPink - I think you need to take advantage of the summer to work and save up money instead of just "relaxing" most of the summer. If you really want to be in a sorority and your parents won't pay you need to figure out a way to be financially responsible - that is one of the major parts of supporting your sorority. If you live in a big city try going to temp agencies, they might be able to place you with something that is a little better than minimum wage (and when you go back to school, you can just quit - after all, that's why they call it temping).

Do not pledge a group you don't like because it's cheaper. Also please keep in mind that the sororities must select YOU as well.

[bekibug]

Originally posted by Munchkin03
I was Panhel President my senior year, and YES. The Green Book states that there must be full fee disclosure during Recruitment. I guess each school can decide for themselves what "disclosure" is: we had itemized lists for each sorority, and other schools probably use averages. Maybe if the information is already on the Internet (as 'Bama's is?) then it's considered "disclosure."

Basically, the whole point is that the girls shouldn't have to ask.

Indeed. Ours is on the internet now, and discloses stuff like average dues, pledging/initiation fees, how much extra it would be for x number of tees, etc. When I went through recruitment, this was outlined in our recruitment manuals before the parties even began.


Originally posted by AUDeltaGam

For the new member semester, our dues are $600 and every semester afterwards is about $400.

Our NM semester dues are the same as every other semester's dues, with a pledging fee and an initation fee that bumps it up about $250.
After that, our dues are $315 a semester or $70 a month for the full months of the semester and $35 for the half-months we're in school (May, December).

We use the Omega Financial billing system, so my bill for dues is sent to my parents every month. Tshirts ordered through the chapter (formal tees, Panhellenic tees for rush, etc.) are billed to that and the bill is itemized so my parents see what they're paying for and also the breakdown of where my dues go.

[rushee123]

When I rushed at my school, our Rho Chis told us that we were allowed to ask each sorority about how much their dues were and they were required to tell us. However, when we all asked each sorority how much their dues were, every single one told us that they were not allowed to disclose that information during rush. Our Rho Chis got really angry and one of them even called the NPC office to make sure that we were allowed to ask. Sure enough, NPC said that each sorority was required to tell us how much their dues were.
Despite all this, none of the sororities would tell us how much their dues were.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally posted by rushee123
When I rushed at my school, our Rho Chis told us that we were allowed to ask each sorority about how much their dues were and they were required to tell us. However, when we all asked each sorority how much their dues were, every single one told us that they were not allowed to disclose that information during rush. Our Rho Chis got really angry and one of them even called the NPC office to make sure that we were allowed to ask. Sure enough, NPC said that each sorority was required to tell us how much their dues were.
Despite all this, none of the sororities would tell us how much their dues were.

That's very odd. Here at KSU, the sororities hand out brochures with all their financial information during 2nd party of formal rush. The treasurer/VP Finance from the chapter also got up and said a few words about payment plans, fines, or other things related to finances to answer some of the questions that may not be included in the brochure. That way there were no suprises no matter which group a PNM pledged because they had all the chapters' financial information.

[TXADPi]

Wow, I am seeing some of these dues and I wish ours were that low!

At the University of Texas our house is actually part of a historic landmark, so not only do we have to maintain the house itself, but the historic landmark as well. We're also the most expensive on campus, largely due to the house, so our dues are around $900 a semester I believe.

[alphaalpha]

I actually knew a house that charged $1000 per month for first years, so therefor $8000 extra a year and that is the live out fee. My school did not talk about finaces during rush, might now but not back then, and I am soo glad that i did not end up in that house cause i would not be able to afford it. I mean, that was what i paid per year for tuition and room and board and would not have been able to pay that much extra. Since i had to pay for everything myself. I moved into my sororities house right away otherwise i would not be able to afford greek life.

[PhoenixAzul]

we disclose the costs during open house. Our active member dues are 50 a quarter, 45 if you have a 3.5 gpa or higher for the quarter. During your pledge period, you pay 25 in dues, because you are only a pledge for half a quarter. During the year we fundraise to offset the cost of pledge materials, conserve recruitment theme stuff, etc. Shirts are always individually paid for. THis year fundraising went so well that the sorority covered the rental cost of the place for formal, and individuals paid for their meals/booze if they wished. The house members pay something like 250 a month in rent, plus utilities.

[CarolinaDG]

Wow. 50 a quarter? Ours were 500 a semester, and ours were on the low end.

[CarolinaDG]

Originally posted by 33girl
LOL

BabyPink - I think you need to take advantage of the summer to work and save up money instead of just "relaxing" most of the summer. If you really want to be in a sorority and your parents won't pay you need to figure out a way to be financially responsible - that is one of the major parts of supporting your sorority. If you live in a big city try going to temp agencies, they might be able to place you with something that is a little better than minimum wage (and when you go back to school, you can just quit - after all, that's why they call it temping).

Do not pledge a group you don't like because it's cheaper. Also please keep in mind that the sororities must select YOU as well.

I wanted to reitterate this point. One of my best friends in college (not in my chapter) was in the most expensive sorority on campus. Although she comes from a pretty wealthy family from what I could tell, her parents apparently didn't pay for her dues, and she worked her butt off to pay them. Where there's a will, there's a way.

[lilsunshine214]

Phi Gamma Pi worked out dues as being $150 for new members and $80 for actives this year. As treasurer, I'm fairly lenient about when dues are paid. Since we do not currently have a house and are a local, Phi Gamma Pi is the cheapest sorority at Kent State.

[theta4life]

Theta, for one, is a pay one price sorority. That means our chapter can not charge extras as the year goes on. We may be more expensive on paper, but we never ask our members to pay anything more to attend formal, or go to any other chapter function. Be sure you look into all the costs and ask the right questions.

[ThetaPrincess24]

I so agree with my fellow sister here.

My chapter while going through recruitment looked like the msot expensive on paper, but turned out to actually be cheaper than the others not just in not having excess fees, but my chapter in particular did not fine our members for not coming to events(though recruitment and ritual things were).

I'm on facility corp. board for another chapter and again, it looks more expensive on paper, but all things considered it is again on that chapter's campus one of the cheapest.

Having said the above, dont assume Theta is the cheapest on every campus it is on because that may not always be the case, but do ask questions about excess fees/assessments and if the chapter fines it's members and if they do what they fine them on.(Be aware that not all chapters may reveal how much a fine is).

[33girl]

Originally posted by theta4life
Theta, for one, is a pay one price sorority. That means our chapter can not charge extras as the year goes on. We may be more expensive on paper, but we never ask our members to pay anything more to attend formal, or go to any other chapter function. Be sure you look into all the costs and ask the right questions.

The other side of that coin is, what if you have a wedding or something to go to that weekend and are unable to attend formal? Then you've paid for something you didn't get to participate in. And that sucks.

I just know that if we had said formal price was "built in" to our dues, and they were higher than other campus chapters as a result, we would have had some very angry members. Maybe this works at a campus where everyone has lots of money, but for us it would have been a disaster and very divisive.

[TSteven]

Originally posted by 33girl
The other side of that coin is, what if you have a wedding or something to go to that weekend and are unable to attend formal? Then you've paid for something you didn't get to participate in. And that sucks.

I just know that if we had said formal price was "built in" to our dues, and they were higher than other campus chapters as a result, we would have had some very angry members. Maybe this works at a campus where everyone has lots of money, but for us it would have been a disaster and very divisive.

This goes back to what theta4life posted. "Be sure you look into all the costs and ask the right questions."

Regardless of the 'wealth' of the campus, a PNM should know what their dues (costs) go toward as well as any other potential costs down the line. And then they may make up their minds accordingly.

[theta4life]

The other side of that coin is, what if you have a wedding or something to go to that weekend and are unable to attend formal? Then you've paid for something you didn't get to participate in. And that sucks.

How does a chapter plan a formal if they have everyone paying as they go? What if, at the last minute, or whenever, a large number of members decided they couldn't afford to go to formal, or whatever and aren't going to pay? Then, the formal is at the local VFW with a guy playing the accordian? I just think budgeting ahead, and most importantly, giving every member the right to participate in all chapter activities is important. Yes, it might suck if you can't go one year because of a family wedding or whatever. But you've got four years (usually) and you will hopefully make it to the other 3. That's just my opinion, and I guess that's why I'm a Theta!

I just believe in full disclosure, that's all.

[33girl]

Originally posted by theta4life
How does a chapter plan a formal if they have everyone paying as they go? What if, at the last minute, or whenever, a large number of members decided they couldn't afford to go to formal, or whatever and aren't going to pay? Then, the formal is at the local VFW with a guy playing the accordian? I just think budgeting ahead, and most importantly, giving every member the right to participate in all chapter activities is important. Yes, it might suck if you can't go one year because of a family wedding or whatever. But you've got four years (usually) and you will hopefully make it to the other 3. That's just my opinion, and I guess that's why I'm a Theta!

I just believe in full disclosure, that's all.

The formal is obviously planned far enough in advance that people have a window of time to tell the chair whether or not they are going. An establishment is chosen that will accomodate the whole group, if everyone should decide to go. You certainly don't decide whether or not to go to the formal on the day of the formal. Everyone has the "right" to participate, they just don't pay if they don't!! I mean, with your outlook, I should have been forced to buy a high school prom ticket to help defray the costs even if I didn't go.

And not everyone (more and more these days) is in a sorority for four years.

[Little E]

We paid our dues which covered all the major budget areas. We ususally budgeted enough money for one campus party, and would try to do two if we got the funding from a campus board.

We would budget some money to defray the cost of the DJ and then tickets would cover your meal, gift etc. Women had to say if they were coming and if they were bringing a date about two weeks out, but we got a good idea about one month out. Maybe it is just us country bumpkin folks, but that is plenty of time at most establishments to define your minimum guest counts.

We also told our pnm's how much to expect the ticket to be.

[CarolinaCutie]

33Girl, my chapter also has all-inclusive dues and it works well for us. You wouldn't be paying directly for Formal even if you chose not to go- you pay your Social dues and everyone pays the same amount. To me, once you start questioning dues because of your own personal attendance of chapter functions, it becomes a slippery slope. Should seniors not have to pay dues that go towards the Recruitment budget because they won't be there? Should chapter members not have to pay dues that go towards room reservations if they can't normally attend our chapter meetings?

Like you mentioned, formal is planned far in advance- far enough ahead where most everyone can attend. And most people understand that if they don't attend, they are not getting refunded. We avoid mentioning how much formal is costing us "per person" because that might lead to questioning like yours.

The benefit of dues like this is that you don't have girls not attending social events because they cannot afford it. With T-shirts and formal fees popping up in addition to dues, lots of girls feel overwhelmed. I absolutely LOVE the fact that I never have to pay for myself (or even my date!) to attend a function.

[33girl]

Originally posted by CarolinaCutie
33Girl, my chapter also has all-inclusive dues and it works well for us. You wouldn't be paying directly for Formal even if you chose not to go- you pay your Social dues and everyone pays the same amount. To me, once you start questioning dues because of your own personal attendance of chapter functions, it becomes a slippery slope. Should seniors not have to pay dues that go towards the Recruitment budget because they won't be there? Should chapter members not have to pay dues that go towards room reservations if they can't normally attend our chapter meetings?

All I can say is that our social dues were structured completely differently and had NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with our formal. Our social dues were for mixers which we were required to attend. You were not required to attend formal.

Why wouldn't seniors be at Recruitment???

And what Little E described is pretty much my feelings also. I mean, whatever works for you fine...if that's the norm on your campus and none of the girls have a problem with prepaying and formal being included in dues that's great, I'm just stating that NWIH would that have worked with my chapter.

[Little E]

Originally posted by CarolinaCutie
We avoid mentioning how much formal is costing us "per person" because that might lead to questioning like yours.

Serious? If someone asked your social chair, or even during rush, what your avg ticket price is you would try not to tell them the info? Maybe I'm reading too much into that, but that doesn't sound too upfront and honest.

In terms of the slippery slope bit, it can happen where people try to argue. The fact is that we work with people's budget where we can because we understand tuition alone is $30,000 per yr,

However there are areas that are for the 'good' of the entire sorority. We can't make you attend a party but our reputation was based on it and you will be working security, no excuses.

With our chapter/campus culture, we just can't tell everyone to get totally dressed up, find a date and come to a dinner, you pick and choose your battles. If we told people that they HAD to come, they wouldn't come. We don't tell them they have and they DO almost all come. Call it our version of reverse psychology.

[TSteven]

Originally posted by 33girl
Why wouldn't seniors be at Recruitment???

I believe CarolinaCutie is pointing out that her chapter dues (budget) include costs associated with recruitment *for the following year*.

In other words, part of this past year's (2004-05) dues are budgeted for next fall's 2005 recruitment. As such, recent 2005 graduates - this past year's seniors - will not be active and or around for rush. Unless they come back as alumna or as grad students.

[TSteven]

Originally posted by Little E
Serious? If someone asked your social chair, or even during rush, what your avg ticket price is you would try not to tell them the info? Maybe I'm reading too much into that, but that doesn't sound too upfront and honest.

These costs aren't being hidden, they are part of the social dues. A small part at that.

When a PNM comes through she would be told by the social chair - or whomever is rushing her - that her dues for the year include such stuff as... and then she would be given the list which would include social activities for the year.

And as you pointed out regarding formals, most members *want* to attend. And usually those members that choose and/or can not attend, want and hope that their sisters have a wonderful time and are happy to have that small part of their dues go toward the experience. Even when they can not be there with them. Part of the whole sisterhood thing.

Since different chapters (campuses) are just that... different, each chapter should decide what works best for them budget wise. As such, many chapters have no issue including formal costs - and other social costs - up front and part of their dues.

[Little E]

I don't question why they do all inclusive, for many campus it works, mine it wouldn't have. And we did move more towards that by the time I graduated by including one t-shirt and gifts as part of dues.

I just was suprised that at the statement that they would rather not give a breakout of how much money goes to events like formal. The preference not to question and debate costs and where the groups money goes.

[TSteven]

Originally posted by Little E
I don't question why they do all inclusive, for many campus it works, mine it wouldn't have. And we did move more towards that by the time I graduated by including one t-shirt and gifts as part of dues.

I just was suprised that at the statement that they would rather not give a breakout of how much money goes to events like formal. The preference not to question and debate costs and where the groups money goes.

I'm sure that costs would be discussed/debated if it was brought up at chapter.

Any time there is a proposed increase in dues, the finance chair (or whomever is responsible) should always explain why there is a need to increase dues etc. And she should be able to give a detail explanation either at that time, or on request - as is the norm for the chapter.

Now as to why the preference to not question or debate costs during chapter is simply so that the meetings do not get bogged down with details (issues) that can be worked on outside of the chapter meeting. In the appropriate committee as it were.

In many cases, budgets are produced by a finance committee. The committee may or may not be a body of the whole chapter. If it is the whole chapter, then everyone would be part of the detail conversation. Otherwise, the budget details are discussed within the committee and the whole budget would then be forwarded out of committee to the membership for approval. Again, at this point, any detail discussion may take place within the membership as per the chapter's rules etc.

Now with respect to CarolinaCutie's scenario, the sisters joined *with the understanding* that part of their dues cover costs associated with social activities - including formal. As such, the *concept* of including the costs of the formal, as part of the dues, would not come up for discussion. Because it was understood at the time they joined.

[TSteven]

FYI: My quote below piggybacks on what CarolinaCutie posted.

Originally posted by TSteven

Now as to why the preference to not question or debate costs during chapter is simply so that the meetings do not get bogged down with details (issues) that can be worked on outside of the chapter meeting. In the appropriate committee as it were.

Originally posted by CarolinaCutie

...once you start questioning dues because of your own personal attendance of chapter functions, it becomes a slippery slope. Should seniors not have to pay dues that go towards the Recruitment budget because they won't be there? Should chapter members not have to pay dues that go towards room reservations if they can't normally attend our chapter meetings?

[CarolinaCutie]

Originally posted by TSteven
These costs aren't being hidden, they are part of the social dues. A small part at that.

When a PNM comes through she would be told by the social chair - or whomever is rushing her - that her dues for the year include such stuff as... and then she would be given the list which would include social activities for the year.

And as you pointed out regarding formals, most members *want* to attend. And usually those members that choose and/or can not attend, want and hope that their sisters have a wonderful time and are happy to have that small part of their dues go toward the experience. Even when they can not be there with them. Part of the whole sisterhood thing.

Since different chapters (campuses) are just that... different, each chapter should decide what works best for them budget wise. As such, many chapters have no issue including formal costs - and other social costs - up front and part of their dues.

This, and everything else you've said in this thread, is right on point with what happens in my chapter. It doesn't matter how much formal costs per person because we don't even break it down that way.

[AGDee]

I definitely remember being ticked off about being nickled and dimed to death as a collegian. It seemed like every time I turned around there was something else we had to pay for. It got to where you'd be wondering "Why am I paying dues then?". I like the idea of an all inclusive, although I would think that dates would have a formal fee that was separate, as alumnae do, in a budget system like that. Chances are, since nobody attends everything, that it all equals out over the year. If you didn't go to 4 mixers but went to formal and someone else went all the mixers but didn't go to formal, the costs all even out.

I also liked the concept that we implemented after I graduated, which was a purchase fund. At the beginning of the semester, you'd put a certain amount in your fund (like $50) and then when you ordered special t-shirts or favors, etc, it came out of your purchase fund. When you graduated, if you had money left in that fund, it was refunded to you or you could just donate it to the chapter. It was easier than coming up with $8 here and $10 there on a really tight budget. It took some extra accounting, but it was really helpful. Since we didn't have an all inclusive budget, like for formal, you could also pay for those types of things from your purchase fund. Since I always had more money in September than any other time of the year, I would've liked that system as a collegian.

Dee

[Zillini]

Interesting seeing all the different dues/fees charged, even with some of them being rather dated. As Bama_Alumna said early on, it's sort of taboo to talk about money during recruitment here. I was unaware that the Green Book said costs must be disclosed. I'm going to research this some more.

Even though averages are disclosed by our Panhellenic, I don't think the PNM's or their parents pay too much attention. Our chapter tries very hard to be right in the middle of the pack. Still, I often see some pretty surprised new members when that first bill gets sent.

ADPi uses an all inclusive billing and at least the members I've worked with over the years like it that way. They want to know up front exactly how much it's going to cost for the entire semester and year. The only additional costs to them should be for t-shirts and such. This way they can budget their own money accordingly.

However, I understand the logic that some have pointed out that it can be unfair to charge members for a formal and then they aren't able to attend. That's one of the reasons why we try to plan these well in advance so that members can adjust their schedules accordingly. Of course we're not able to accomodate 150 members schedules. That's just the way it goes sometimes, but they all know it ahead of time.

But if we used that logic for social functions, in all fairness we'd have to apply it to everything. Major problems with meal plans come to mind. We charge all members for meals regardless of whether they eat at the house or not. We don't issue refunds if they don't eat.

Off on a tangent:

Speaking of meals, there's something that I found rather surprising when I first started here. The University of Alabama requires all women who pledge a sorority to cancel their University meal plan and sign up for the sorority's plan. I'm not sure if new fraternity members have to do the same thing because not all the men's houses have meal plans.

I don't know if the University is trying to cut down on potential overcrowding in the cafeterias or what. It's one of those things I've always meant to ask someone about, but keep forgetting. Perhaps some of the knowledgable Bama folks here have the answer.

[flirt5721]

Our dues are $430 each semster for active and $500 for new member a semster. However if you want to live in the house its more. For a single room its $400/month and for a double is $350/month. I also love the fact the we use Omega Financial to pay our due, so we can pay online and also give payment whenever before the due date.

[bekibug]

Indeedy, OmegaFi is purty spiffy.

[33girl]

Originally posted by Zillini
However, I understand the logic that some have pointed out that it can be unfair to charge members for a formal and then they aren't able to attend. That's one of the reasons why we try to plan these well in advance so that members can adjust their schedules accordingly. Of course we're not able to accomodate 150 members schedules. That's just the way it goes sometimes, but they all know it ahead of time.

But if we used that logic for social functions, in all fairness we'd have to apply it to everything. Major problems with meal plans come to mind. We charge all members for meals regardless of whether they eat at the house or not. We don't issue refunds if they don't eat.

And this is a very different situation that what Little E and I are talking about...our chapters are/were much smaller than that. And we didn't have a house with an institutional size dining room/kitchen.

[Zillini]

Gotcha 33girl. I hope you didn't take any offense as I was only explaining our situation.

Frankly there are times when I envy chapters that don't have houses. Housing and meals add a whole other set of headaches. Repairs, maintence, staff, even preparing menus that everyone likes are a real challenge. We're lucky to have such a beautiful house and we've got a waiting list for members who want to live in. (We can only house 39 of our 150 members.) But it's alot of work to make it all run smoothly.

[Rosealum]

During the formal recruitment parties at my school, there MUST be at least 1 display with all the finances listed. It is a lot easier on everyone upfront to know if someone can't afford it if payment plans can't be worked out.

[CarolinaDG]

It makes sense. It would stop a lot of girls from dropping. I remember a rumor going around that one sorority asked in second round what the PNM's parents did and made (which, for the record, they don't actually... I was in there). My thought was, so what if they do? At least you'd get it all out up front... can this person really afford to be here, or are we "wasting" a bid on a girl who's just going to drop when she hears she needs to write a check for $400 right away?

[33girl]

Originally posted by CarolinaDG
It makes sense. It would stop a lot of girls from dropping. I remember a rumor going around that one sorority asked in second round what the PNM's parents did and made (which, for the record, they don't actually... I was in there). My thought was, so what if they do? At least you'd get it all out up front... can this person really afford to be here, or are we "wasting" a bid on a girl who's just going to drop when she hears she needs to write a check for $400 right away?

"My dad works for Enron!" Yeah, that would have worked LOL.

Seriously, asking what someone's parents do the minute you meet them is really intrusive and offensive and not necessary. Plus it's pointless - you never know - the parents could be both working at Burger King and the PNM has a trust fund reserved for her from a great aunt or something. Not to mention the people who have "high prestige" jobs that are in debt up to their eyeballs.

By all means, have financial info available so the PNMs can judge for themselves if they can afford it - but for someone else to make that decision from stereotypes and assumptions is pretty repulsive.

[broomstick]

I pay about $1,800 a semester for rent at my frat, but that includes all utilities, high speed internet, cable, and 9 catered meals a week (lunch and dinner monday through thursday and lunch on friday).

our dues are only about $300 or so a semester.

[ArizonaDelt]

DTD fraternity fees (including food mon-fri):

$250/month first two months (while you're a pledge)
$150/month for actives.

If you want to live in the house after your freshman year, your total cost (food, rent, etc) is $650/month. I am trying to be an RA this coming year (2006-07) to cover some of the costs of my dues seeing as how I'm struggling to pay for school right now (parents are not helping at all). Before y'all give me a hard time about being an RA, it only requires 5 hours a week commitment and you get a free dorm AND $700/semester for food. That would allow me so much more freedom!

[jwright25]

Our Panhellenic started something new with Fall 2005 Formal Recruitment. Each chapter submitted a detailed accounting of the financial obligations for new members. Not just numbers, but descriptions of what you actually get for your money. Additionally, chapters were expected to list what ADDITIONAL costs might be incurred. For example, my chapter was the highest by about $30, but we do not charge members for any social events. Other chapters had to list that they charge for informal, formal, etc.

We laid out the brochure very nice and professional, yet with fonts and designs matching the other Panhellenic recruitment handouts. We had fun quotes like "If being Greek means buying my friends, then it’s the BEST investment I ever made!!"

At least in the chapter I advise, and reportedly in the others as well, there were MANY MANY fewer financial issues amongst the new member classes. Everyone was well informed, and no one depledged for financial reasons.

[ilikehazing]

The majority of ours are around upwards of 1000 a semester, not living in the house.