Starting college comes with a lot of choices —- from what classes to take to how you’ll make new friends. One of the biggest decisions you might face is whether or not to join Greek life. Fraternities and sororities have a big presence on many campuses and you’ll probably hear plenty of opinions about them, both good and bad.
So how do you know if “going Greek” is right for you? Like most big decisions, it comes with pros and cons. Greek life can give you instant friendships, leadership opportunities, and even career connections, but it can also be expensive, time consuming, and involve negative aspects like hazing or excessive partying.
Before you rush or pledge, it’s worth weighing the pluses and minuses to see whether joining a fraternity or sorority fits into the kind of college experience you want to create.
Key Points
• Joining Greek life offers immediate friendship opportunities and a sense of community through shared activities and housing.
• Members benefit from networking opportunities that can aid in future job searches.
• Leadership roles within Greek organizations can enhance valuable management and organizational skills.
• The financial cost of joining can be significant, including membership dues and expenses related to social events.
• Time commitments for Greek life events may interfere with academic responsibilities.
What Is Greek Life in College?
Greek life refers to communities of students who often live together, volunteer, network, and build close friendships. These communities consist of sororities for women and fraternities for men.
While each chapter is unique, the main goal of sororities and fraternities is to foster connections, encourage leadership, and give back to the community.
Students who are interested in becoming members must apply and then go through an initiation process. Once accepted, they may live with their sorority or fraternity, usually in a house on campus, and participate in activities like sports, dances, parties, and community service opportunities.
Sorority and fraternity names consist of two or three Greek letters, like Phi Kappa Theta, Sigma Pi, or Delta Zeta. This is a nod to the first U.S. Greek letter society, Phi Beta Kappa, founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary as a literary, debating, and social club.
Many students only know about sororities and fraternities from pop culture references like “Revenge of the Nerds,” “Animal House,” “Legally Blonde,” and “Old School,” which depict a perennial party. While there is some truth to that stereotype — and fraternities have come under fire for their alcohol use and hazing rituals — Greek life can be much more meaningful and beneficial than these portrayals.
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Upsides of Greek Life
Joining a fraternity or sorority comes with a number of advantages. Here’s a look at some of the perks.
Friends
Starting college can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know many people. Greek life gives you instant community. You’ll be able to bond with members through events, activities, and shared living, and likely build friendships that last long after graduation.
Networking Opportunities
Your chapter isn’t just a social circle, it can also help you develop a professional network. When you’re searching for internships or jobs, these connections can prove to be highly valuable. Plus, if you list your sorority or fraternity on your resume and a recruiter is a Greek life alumnus, that could open up a conversation and help you stand out.
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Possibly Cheaper Housing
Living in college dorms can be pricey. If you are sharing a house with many members of a sorority or fraternity, you could potentially save money.
You may also save money by having access to a full kitchen, where you can make meals instead of purchasing a meal plan or eating at restaurants all the time.
Development of Leadership Skills
Sororities and fraternities need leaders who will come up with ideas for activities, pilot volunteering efforts, and recruit members.
If you step up and get involved, you’ll have the chance to take on new responsibilities and develop crucial skills that will be valuable when you graduate from college and start to look for jobs.
Volunteering Opportunities
Fraternities and sororities are often focused on philanthropy. From fundraisers to volunteer events, you’ll have plenty of chances to contribute to causes you care about — and that commitment can look great on a resume.
Potential Downsides of Greek Life
Of course, Greek life isn’t all parties and friendships. Here are downsides to weigh:
Cost
You typically need to pay membership dues each year you are a member of a fraternity or sorority, which can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars a semester. Chapter or national fees may also apply. In addition, you may have to chip in for party supplies, buy tickets to formals, and purchase/rent clothing for special events.
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Reputation
Greek life’s reputation can be a double-edged sword. While some chapters focus on academics and service, others are known for heavy partying. Hazing and alcohol-related incidents have even led to tragedies on some campuses.
If you do join, it’s important to choose a chapter that aligns with your values and to prioritize your safety and academics.
Time Commitment
Because Greek life involves so many events, and members are expected to participate, joining a sorority or fraternity generally requires a large time commitment.
Spending too much time on Greek life activities and not enough on studying or working at internships could have a negative impact on your future.
Determining Whether or Not to Join Greek Life
Joining a fraternity or a sorority can be a great way to make friends, build leadership skills, and give back to the community. But it’s not for everyone.
If you thrive in a busy, social environment and are willing to commit your time (and money), you may find Greek life incredibly rewarding. On the other hand, if the costs feel overwhelming, or if you’re worried about distractions, you might prefer to find community in other ways — through clubs, sports, or student organizations.
And if finances are a major concern, remember there are a number of ways to pay for college, including grants, scholarships, subsidized and unsubsidized federal student loans, and private student loans.
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The Takeaway
A sorority or fraternity can provide camaraderie and enduring connections, and enhance a call for service and leadership. It can also be time consuming, expensive, and potentially distract you from your studies.
Ultimately, whether you join comes down to your priorities. For some students, it’s one of the best choices they make in college. For others, it’s not the right fit. The key is figuring out where you want your college experience to take you.
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FAQ
What are the pros and cons of Greek life?
Greek life offers community, networking, leadership opportunities, and a strong sense of belonging. Members often benefit from social events, academic support, and lifelong friendships. However, it also comes with downsides such as time commitments, financial costs, and the risk of negative stereotypes surrounding fraternities and sororities. In some cases, hazing and party culture can overshadow the positive aspects. Overall, it’s a highly personal decision.
What are the disadvantages of being a member of a fraternity?
Joining a fraternity can provide a powerful support system through friendships, mentoring, and networking. Many fraternities emphasize leadership, philanthropy, and academic achievement, helping members grow both personally and professionally. The social opportunities can create lasting bonds, while alumni networks often open doors to internships and careers. For students seeking connection and growth, fraternities can offer benefits that can extend well beyond college.
Does Greek life look good on a resume?
Yes, Greek life can be a strong addition to a resume if highlighted correctly. Employers often value the leadership, teamwork, event planning, and organizational skills students develop through fraternity or sorority involvement. Holding officer roles or participating in philanthropy demonstrates responsibility and initiative. However, it’s best to focus on measurable achievements rather than just membership.
About the author
Julia Califano
Julia Califano is an award-winning journalist who covers banking, small business, personal loans, student loans, and other money issues for SoFi. She has over 20 years of experience writing about personal finance and lifestyle topics. Read full bio.
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