What is a sorority guide, last updated: October 17, 2026
What is a sorority? A sorority is a Greek-lettered organization for women, and it is also called a women’s fraternity. Members join through a recruitment process, take part in events, service and leadership, and often pay dues each term. Therefore, this guide explains what a sorority is, what members do, how recruitment works and what it costs.
What Is a Sorority?
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln defines it as a Greek-lettered organization designated for women. In other words, it is a social group with a name made of Greek letters, such as Alpha or Delta. Moreover, each group has its own history, values and traditions.
These groups sit inside a wider system called Greek life. Many colleges also have a fraternity and sorority life office, which helps students learn how to join.
What Is a Sorority in College and What Do Members Do?
In college, these groups are student organizations that members join for friendship, support and activities. Members usually do these things.
- First, they attend chapter meetings and social events.
- Also, they take part in service and fundraising projects.
- Next, they hold leadership roles in their chapter.
- Finally, they meet alumni, which can help with networking.
Leadership roles can also give you experience for a job search. For ideas, see our guide on skills to put on resume. Likewise, many campuses mark school traditions each year, so you can read about homecoming traditions too.
History: Where the Name Comes From
The first women’s groups appeared in the 1800s. For example, Yahoo reports that the first Greek-letter women’s fraternity was Kappa Alpha Theta, founded on January 27, 1870. However, the word itself came later. In 1874, a Latin professor named Frank Smalley used it to describe Gamma Phi Beta at Syracuse University. As a result, Gamma Phi Beta was the first group to use that name.
Different groups claim to be “first” depending on the rules. For instance, the Adelphean Society (1851), which later became Alpha Delta Pi, was the first secret society for women. In addition, Alpha Kappa Alpha, founded at Howard University in 1908, was the first Greek-letter group started by African-American college-educated women.
What Is a Sorority Chapter and a Panhellenic Council?
A chapter is a local group that belongs to a larger national organization, according to UNL. Meanwhile, a new member is someone who has joined but has not yet been initiated. On many campuses, a Panhellenic Association governs these groups. It is linked to the National Panhellenic Conference, which has 26 member groups and was founded in 1902.
How Recruitment Works
Recruitment is how groups meet and choose new members. UNL describes a bid as a formal invitation to join. Rules differ by campus, so Wofford College is one example of how it can work.
- First, you register online and pay an application fee. At Wofford it is $55.
- Next, you visit each group in an open house round.
- Then, you attend longer philanthropy and preference rounds by invitation.
- After that, you list the groups you prefer, and the groups choose their members.
- Finally, you get a bid on Bid Day, if a group invites you.
Wofford says recruitment is a mutual choice. Therefore, taking part does not guarantee a bid, and it does not force you to join.
How Much Does Membership Cost?
Costs depend on the school and the group. According to Bankrate, joining costs between $1,000 and $4,750 per semester on average, but its page has no date, so the numbers may be old. For example, at Ball State University, new members pay about $850 a semester, while active members pay $600. In addition, you do not have to live in the chapter house to be a member. Finally, expect extra costs such as shirts, pins and event tickets.
Pros and Cons of Joining
Bankrate lists friendships, academic support and a national alumni network as the main benefits. However, it also warns about the time that meetings and events take from study. Moreover, it notes reports of hazing, although most schools now have anti-hazing rules. Therefore, ask your campus office about its rules and costs before you register.
What Is a Sorority FAQ
What is a sorority girl?
The term simply means a woman who is a member.
What is a sorority house?
It is a residence run by a chapter. However, Bankrate says members do not have to live in one.
Can any woman join?
Not automatically. At Wofford, students in good standing can take part in recruitment, but a bid is never guaranteed.
Do all colleges have sororities?
No. Therefore, check with your college’s fraternity and sorority life office.
Conclusion
Overall, a sorority is a Greek-lettered group for women that offers friendship, service, leadership and networking. In short, learn how recruitment works, compare the costs and ask about the rules on your campus. Finally, join only if the group fits your goals and your budget.
Sources: University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Yahoo News, Wikipedia, Wofford College, Bankrate.
