The price of joining a college sorority is climbing nationwide, with some recruits paying tens of thousands of dollars for coaching, outfits, registration fees and housing to vie for spots in the country's most coveted chapters.
As Rush Week kicked off this month, the recruitment process is drawing renewed attention, fueled by the viral "RushTok" trend on TikTok and pop culture portrayals of Greek life, including the HBO documentary "Bama Rush" and Lifetime’s "A Sorority Mom’s Guide to Rush!"
"Costs and expectations have increased with the viral exposure coming from TikTok, TV shows, and documentaries," said Michael Ayalon, CEO and founder of Greek University, a Tennessee-based speaking and consulting business for fraternities and sororities.
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"On the one hand, it has made recruitment more transparent and even accessible," Ayalon told Fox News Digital. "Potential new members at any school can learn tips and demystify the process by watching others’ experiences. On the other hand, what people see online is a ‘highlight reel’ that emphasizes aesthetics over substance," he added.
Sorority recruitment fees, annual dues and housing costs can cost students tens of thousands of dollars. (Will McLelland)
The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) is the governing body for 26 national women’s sororities, including most of the big-name Greek chapters at U.S. colleges, like Alpha Chi Omega and Delta Gamma.
To rush a NPC sorority, hopefuls pay non-refundable registration fees, according to university and National Panhellenic Conference websites. At the University of Alabama, it costs $375; at the University of Arkansas, $330; and at the University of South Carolina, $185.
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If accepted, students must then pay new member dues, according to university websites. At Alabama, active-member dues can be more than $5,000 per semester. Louisiana State University lists new member dues averaging $2,200 — and up to $3,270 for some chapters, according to the school's website.
Clemson University has new member costs of about $820. Lehigh University in Pennsylvania has new member fees of more than $1,600. UCLA has new member dues as high as $1,700.
Newly accepted sorority members celebrated at the University of Alabama in 2024. (Will McLelland)
The average new-member cost at the University of Oklahoma is $4,605, up nearly 25% from 2021, The Oklahoman recently reported.
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The numbers continue to rise with the addition of housing and yearly dues. At University of Oklahoma, the average cost of living in the sorority house is over $12,200. At Alabama, it can cost upwards of $15,000 to dorm in the sorority house.
Recruitment preparation has become its own industry with coaches, stylists, and social media strategists charging up to $5,500, The Cut recently reported. TikTok "outfit of the day" videos reveal wardrobes that can top $10,000, with girls sporting luxury brands like LoveShackFancy, where a frilly, pastel-colored dress can cost nearly $500, and Golden Goose, where sneakers can cost more than $600.
Extra costs can run up the bill another $1,000. If girls arrive on campus early, they might have to pay early move-in fees clocking of $180 per week. They are also recommended to bring emergency kits filled with items like personal fans, blotting powder, compact mirrors, deodorant and electrolyte powder, which can tack on $100.
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"Sorority rush is downright cruel," said Daniel Karon, an Ohio-based attorney who serves as a chapter advisor for a fraternity, was a member himself, and whose son and daughter both graduated from Greek organizations.
Rush Week can require themed attire, skits and interviews, according to those familiar with the process. (Al Drago/CQ Roll Call)
"It can involve dances, skits, dressing a certain way, interviews, resumes, recommendation letters, touring each sorority house, and suffering through a mutual selection [ranking] process," he told Fox News Digital.
"It’s a punishing, unnecessary, and twisted process that does nothing to foster the mental health that’s so essential to freshmen women," Karon said, adding that national organizations should tamp down on the outlandish requirements.
Ayalon warned that unchecked costs can make sororities more socioeconomically exclusive, fostering status-driven cultures linked to hazing and unhealthy environments.
Despite the demands, many say Greek life is worth the investment, paving the way for leadership opportunities, alumni networking, community service, and lifelong friendships.
Students in sororities tend to have higher retention and graduation rates, studies have found. (Will McLelland)
"Affiliated women tend to have higher retention and graduation rates," Ayalon added.
For those deterred by price, there are more affordable paths. Some organizations offer scholarships, grants, payment plans, and lower-cost options like Continuous Open Bidding, which skips rush-week wardrobes and early move-in fees, Ayalon said.
Others limit decorations and event spending through "No-Frills Recruitment" or offer shared wardrobes and clothing swaps.