Although some Americans enter their college years with visions of joining a sorority (or fraternity), the reality is that it doesn’t come cheap.
With tuition, textbooks, and housing accommodations already stretching budgets thin, joining a sorority for social connections and leadership opportunities can add more financial strain.
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But for some students, like 20-year-old Kylan Darnell, who has already invested close to $100,000 in an elite sorority at the University of Alabama, sororities are more than just a college experience — they are an investment that’s worth every penny.
Although she’s still only halfway through her college career, the former Miss Teen Ohio pageant queen has managed to turn her sorority experience into a seven-figure success story, earning more than $1 million by sharing her experiences with her more than one million followers on TikTok.
“It is pretty expensive to be in a sorority,” she shared with the U.K.’s DailyMail. “But at the end of the day, I feel like it’s more of a networking experience.”
After four years of college, it’s expected that she will have dropped around $200,000 on her sorority alone.
However, Darnell has paid for all her own tuition and sorority expenses thanks to her social media presence and accompanying brand deals. As a result, she’s also debt-free.
So, is “Greek life” really worth the cost? Here are a few things to consider before deciding if sisterhood is a solid investment or just a pricey college pastime.
The hidden costs of sisterhood
Joining a sorority or fraternity is more than just pledging and forming lasting friendships — it’s a high-stakes investment in campus culture.
On average, Greek life can cost between $1,000 and $4,750 per semester, which covers everything from member dues and housing arrangements, to recruitment and social events.
However, these costs don’t account for the standard college expenses, such as tuition, books, and — if you live on campus — groceries.
According to research from the Education Data Initiative, the average annual cost of attending college in the U.S. is $38,270.
For Darnell, the price of sorority life extended well beyond those initial fees — it was about dressing the part. She told the DailyMail that dropping $10,000 on a dress was a sound investment in her opinion — and in the world of sororities, that may be true.
“For me, it pays off to invest in clothes because at the end of the day a TikTok video will pay for that outfit,” she said.
According to a post from Credit.com, beyond the obligatory dues, sorority members often encounter a steady stream of extra expenses: tickets to formals, themed event outfits, specialty clothing emblazoned with their letters, and even gifts to celebrate new sisters.
So, while it’s safe to say that not every member is splurging on a $10,000 dress, those considering Greek life should be ready to meet the many hidden costs that come with it.
Read more: These 5 magic money moves will boost you up America’s net worth ladder in 2024 — and you can complete each step within minutes.
Are sororities worth the price tag?
While the price tag of sisterhood is quite high, for some college students, including Darnell, it’s a worthy investment.
Beyond the legendary social scenes, sororities offer a powerful networking opportunity. Once you’ve pledged, you’re part of a larger network of more than nine million alumni across the U.S.
A recent Gallup poll even found that fraternity and sorority members are more likely to connect with mentors, engage in extracurricular activities, and land internships that align with their academic pursuits.
It’s not a secret that Greek life has had its fair share of power players — about 85% of Fortune 500 executives and 76% of Congressmen and Senators are fraternity alumni, according to The Fraternity Advisor.
Another large part of Greek life is the philanthropic contributions, with many chapters raising thousands of dollars for charity each year.
But before making the leap, it’s important to do your homework on what’s offered at your school. Greek life is more popular on some campuses than others.
For example, more than 36% of the undergraduate population at the University of Alabama — about 12,000 students — belong to a Greek organization. For others, it’s a quieter presence.
Before you take the pledge, consider what you want your college experience to look like. Greek life demands time, a budget, and commitment to fully embrace everything that it has to offer.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
