Q: I've heard it's really expensive to join a fraternity or sorority. I just don't think I can afford it...

• A: At first glance, joining a fraternity or a sorority might seem expensive. However, the benefits outweigh the costs. Fraternities and sororities are self-sufficient and are supported through the dues/fees paid by their members. The dues/fees are used to finance programs and to support operating expenses that include scholarship incentives, liability insurance, social expenses, national dues and one-time initiation fees.

  Some chapters have structures that house members and we have found that the cost of living in a chapter structure is very comparable to the costs of living in the residence halls (room and board), and in some cases may even be cheaper.
  Many chapters offer scholarships, payment plans, and other incentives to members to help with the cost of being a member. the chapters vary in the amount of dues card and other expenses. This should be a key question to ask as you're exploring Greek membership. 

Q: How can I make sure that my academics still remain a priority for me if I join a fraternity or sorority?

• A: One of many concerns families have regarding their students' involvement with a Greek organization is academics. Fortunately, academic standing on campus is also a concern for the FSL Community itself; thus, the fraternity and sorority chapters at Iowa offer tutoring, study halls, awards, and scholarships to ensure academic success. In order to function as strong organizations, all fraternities and sororities have GPA requirements for students to become members and to maintain membership.We are very proud to state that our our All Sorority Average and All Fraternity Average are consistently above the University Women's and Men's Averages. Please check out our chapter's scholarship reports by clicking here.

  However, responsibility ultimately rests with the members to take advantage of opportunities made available to them. Services such as academic support services and tutorial services are also available to help students achieve academic success while involved in co-curricular activities.

Q: If a sorority or fraternity has a chapter house, are they considered "on-campus?"

• A: Of the 49 chapters at Iowa, 26 of them have a living structure/house. While some of these chapter houses are located across the street from university buildings, they are all privately owned and considered "off campus housing." Each structure is owned and managed by a House Corporation Board from either a local alumni board or the inter/national organization.