Costs of Membership

Plan Ahead and Ask Questions

Fraternity and sorority membership includes financial responsibilities. Costs vary by council, chapter, semester, membership status, and whether a student lives in a chapter facility.

Before accepting an invitation to join, ask the organization for a complete written explanation of what you will be expected to pay. Understanding the full commitment will help you compare your options and make a decision that works for you.

Temporary Planning Estimates

The figures below are not current chapter prices. They are based on information previously published by UNM and temporary planning estimates provided by the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office.

Updated 2026–2027 information will replace these estimates once it has been collected and verified directly with each organization.

Interfraternity Council

Living outside a chapter facility: Approximately $495 per semester

Living in a chapter facility: Approximately $1,400 per semester

College Panhellenic Council

Living outside a chapter facility: Approximately $1,275 per semester

Living in a chapter facility: Approximately $3,190 per semester

National Pan-Hellenic Council

Estimated cost: Approximately $500 to $1,500 during the semester a student joins

Costs may be higher during the membership-intake semester because they can include one-time initiation, national organization, educational, and membership expenses. Continuing-member costs may differ significantly by organization.

United Greek Council

Estimated cost: Approximately $150 to $700 per semester

Costs vary by organization and may include chapter dues, national organization fees, membership-intake expenses, programs, and other required activities.

What May Be Included?

The amount a chapter provides may include some combination of:

  • Local chapter dues
  • Council or inter/national organization fees
  • New-member or membership-intake fees
  • Initiation fees
  • Insurance
  • Chapter programs and activities
  • Social events
  • Service or philanthropy expenses
  • Facility or housing costs
  • Meal plans
  • Educational materials
  • Clothing or membership items

Not every expense is necessarily included in regular dues. Ask which costs are required, which are optional, and which may be charged separately during the semester.

Your First Semester May Be Different

The semester when you join may include one-time expenses that continuing members do not pay each semester.

Before accepting membership, ask:

  • What is the total amount I will owe during my first semester?
  • How much will I owe in later semesters?
  • Are initiation or inter/national organization fees included?
  • Are any payments due before initiation?
  • Are there additional costs for clothing, events, travel, retreats, or conferences?
  • Is chapter housing required now or in the future?
  • Are housing and meal costs included in the amount provided?
  • Can dues or fees increase during the year?

Students should not assume that the estimates on this page cover every possible expense.

Payment Plans and Financial Assistance

Ask each organization whether it offers:

  • Semester payment plans
  • Monthly payment options
  • Local or national scholarships
  • Emergency financial assistance
  • Reduced-cost membership options
  • Different arrangements for members completing internships, studying abroad, or experiencing financial hardship

Do not assume that assistance is available. Ask about the process, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and whether support is guaranteed.

Get the Details in Writing

A chapter should be able to provide a clear explanation of its financial expectations before you accept an invitation or begin a membership-intake process.

Request written information showing:

  • The total first-semester cost
  • Regular continuing-member dues
  • Payment dates
  • One-time fees
  • Housing or meal obligations
  • Required expenses not included in dues
  • Payment-plan options
  • Late fees, fines, or other possible charges
  • Refund and withdrawal policies

Take time to review the information and discuss it with anyone who may be helping you pay for membership.

Choose What Works for You

There is no single fraternity or sorority cost, and a higher or lower price does not automatically indicate the quality of the membership experience.

Consider whether the financial commitment is realistic for you throughout your college experience, not only during the semester when you join.

It is okay to ask questions, compare organizations, request more time to review the information, or decide that the cost is not right for you.

[Review Questions to Ask Before Joining]

[Read Before You Join]

[Explore Recognized Chapters]

Questions about financial expectations? Contact UNM Fraternity and Sorority Life at greeks@unm.edu or 505-277-4706.