The Benefits of Joining a Fraternity or Sorority

Enabling what is commonly referred to as “Greek life,” fraternities and sororities are undergraduate and alumni groups and organizations in colleges and universities that share common values. They form groups to promote their academic life and develop leadership and social skills. The members join for a fee, usually yearly. However, in return, studies indicate membership accords a number of benefits.

The primary benefit of joining Greek societies such as Phi Gamma Delta and others is networking. About 85 percent of Fortune 500 company executives were part of fraternities and sororities. The groups help members develop and promote leadership skills through lifelong affiliations, with the members continuing the connection and networking nationally after graduating.

Also, for the members currently in college, the fraternities and sororities host alumni networks, where one meets professionals in their career field. Networking also takes place through social media groups like LinkedIn, where the members share job leads, application tips, and other connections.

Greek life membership can also assist in post-graduation life, especially by raising one’s entry-level career remuneration and chances for promotions. A study by Union College indicated that the income of Greek members was 36 percent higher than their non-member classmates. This was primarily attributed to the social capital the members accord a company. Social capital refers to value brought through trust, mutual relationships, and personal values.

Being part of a fraternity or sorority allows members to develop leadership skills. Greek life offers numerous opportunities to become a leader in different capacities with the chapter, alongside others available in the learning institution. A typical organization has an average of five to 10 executive board leadership posts that range from secretary to president. This offers an opportunity to learn and practice for career opportunities in the future. Other than the board, leadership and teamwork options include organizing philanthropic events, competitions, and inductions for new members.

It also helps develop the member’s life, especially for those not so good at meeting people, making new friends, or networking. The social advantage emanates from frequent parties, social events, and philanthropic activities. In some universities, over 80 percent of their students are involved in Greek life, making it easier to acquire social skills than most nonmembers.

Most Greek life groups have a long and rich tradition. The oldest, the Kappa Alpha Society, founded at Union College in 1825, kicked off a nationwide trend that continued for the next 50 years. Most societies remain active, totaling 123 fraternities and sororities and 9 million current and alumni members in 12,000 chapters across over 800 universities.

Most have maintained various traditions over the years, like promoting brotherhood and sisterhood and community service. The adherence to the practices over the years forms a primary attraction for new members, and helps promote a culture of consistency in positive values.

Other than tuition, another cost of attending college is housing and food. Greek life provides fraternity and sorority housing, thus eliminating the need to seek accommodation in the school’s dorms or off-campus, which can be expensive.

The houses, typically better than the other noted options, also have in-house chefs to cater to the members and allocate funds to entertainment and security. Some offer housing priorities for students with high grades, tuition costs, and academic assistance for those facing financial challenges.