What is a Fraternity & How To Join One?

Your guide to everything about Greek life while you're at college.

Navigating college is a challenge in and of itself, especially as a new student. Whether you're a freshman leaving home for the first time or a transfer student looking for a fresh start, there's a never-ending list of things to juggle — academics, extracurriculars, social events, and more. If you haven't already, check out our tips for incoming college freshmen to help you hit the ground running. Add fraternities into the mix and it can feel genuinely overwhelming.

We're here to give you the full rundown: what a fraternity is, how to join one, what the recruitment process looks like, and everything in between. If you're thinking about rushing during your time in college, start here.

Read our ultimate back-to-school guide for more information and advice.

What is a Fraternity?

Also known as a frat, fraternities are social organisations at colleges that are part of the Greek life system on campus. Sororities are the female equivalent, also part of Greek life. Fraternities are primarily made up of men, though some are co-ed.

They're built around shared goals and values, and membership is considered a lifelong commitment — members work together to learn, grow, and strengthen the brotherhood long after graduation.

As a whole, fraternities foster a common goal of brotherhood with a focus on social, academic, and community activities. The first Greek-letter social fraternity, Kappa Alpha Society, was founded at Union College in 1825 — though the oldest Greek-letter organisation of any kind, Phi Beta Kappa, dates back to 1776. Since then, fraternities have grown into multifaceted organisations with principles that guide their members.

How Do You Join a Fraternity?

Joining a fraternity is a multi-step process known as recruitment. It usually takes place at the beginning of the school year during the fall semester, though some fraternities also recruit during the spring semester.

Fall is the bigger recruitment event; spring recruiting is generally more relaxed. It varies between campuses and chapters, so check with your Greek life office to find out when events are happening at your school.

What is the Recruitment Process?

The recruitment process unfolds across several stages:

Rush week: Students visit the fraternities on campus to learn about their values and goals, and both sides figure out if they're a good fit for each other.
Bid day: Prospective recruits receive bids from fraternities inviting them to become pledges.
Pledging: Recruits "pledge" to join one specific fraternity and become unofficial members until formal initiation.
Initiation: Pledges are officially initiated into the fraternity through various traditions, swearing into the brotherhood for life.

What is Rush Week?

Rush week is a core part of the recruitment process. It gives potential new members the chance to visit every fraternity on campus, learn about each one's values and culture, and work out where they feel at home. The fraternities are also sizing you up, so think of it as mutual.

During rush week, recruits engage in a variety of social activities at each fraternity. After the initial round of visits, potential new members may be invited to pledge at certain chapters. From there, initiation rituals create a sense of bonding and brotherhood among new and existing members.

Most fraternities no longer engage in hazing, but it's important to stay informed — some chapters unfortunately still do. Read our full guide on college hazing and how to stay safe so you know what to watch out for. Consequences for participating can be as severe as expulsion, and it's simply not worth it.

What is Pledging?

Once you've decided which fraternity you want to join and been accepted — congratulations! — you become a pledge. Pledges take part in more exclusive events to get to know their prospective fraternity from the inside.

The selection process varies across schools and chapters. During this period, pledges learn about the chapter's specific history, values, and traditions, and get to know current members (their future brothers) more deeply than they did during rush week.

After a set period that varies by chapter, pledges go through an initiation ritual — a rite of passage symbolising their commitment to the brotherhood — and become full members.

How Much Do Fraternities Cost?

Joining a fraternity comes with real costs, and they vary significantly by chapter and campus. It's worth opening a student checking account with no monthly fees before you start so you can track your spending properly. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to expect:

Cost Category	Typical Range (per year)
Chapter dues	$1,200–$2,500+
National dues	$400–$600
New member fees (initiation, badge, materials)	$600–$1,200
Social events (formals, mixers)	$500–$1,000
Apparel & merchandise	$300–$700
Housing (if living in chapter house)	$6,000–$12,000

At a school like the University of Alabama — home to one of the most well-known Greek life systems in the country — chapter dues alone can run $1,200–$2,500 per year, with housing adding $6,000–$12,000 on top of that. At the University of Oregon, new member dues range from approximately $537–$1,372 per quarter depending on the chapter, with a separate university-level Greek program fee of $125 per year.

The bottom line: expect to spend a few thousand dollars a year at minimum, and significantly more if you live in the fraternity house. Always check with your specific chapter for exact figures.

Financial aid and scholarship opportunities do exist. More than 700 campuses across the country are working to improve the accessibility and affordability of Greek life. Check with your campus Greek life office to find out what support is available.

What Are the Benefits?

For many students, the costs are worth it. Here's what fraternity membership can offer:

Personal growth & leadership: Members develop communication, teamwork, and organisational skills through running events, managing finances, and leading committees.
Social events: From parties and mixers to philanthropic events, frats provide a built-in social calendar and a strong sense of belonging.
Community service: Many fraternities volunteer regularly or partner with specific charities. Giving back is a core part of Greek life culture.
Recruitment responsibilities: As you progress, you'll help bring in the next class of pledges — a leadership opportunity in itself.
Intramural sports: A great way to stay active and stay connected to campus life.
Networking: The fraternity network extends nationwide. Many members credit their brotherhood with helping them land jobs and internships after graduation.
Lifelong community: Joining a fraternity is a lifelong commitment. Many chapters stay connected with alumni through events, creating a community that lasts well beyond your college years.

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