The 15 Top Colleges with the Best Sororities

Heading to college is one of the most exciting phases in young people’s lives, and joining the best sororities can offer an enriching college experience!

While there is the daunting thought of whole new challenges and the ever-present pressure brought by rigorous coursework, it cannot be denied that there is more to college life than the sole purpose of achieving academic excellence. 

It is during this time that young adults can enjoy activities beyond their classroom. There are ample opportunities to meet fellow students who share the same values and dreams with them, expanding their circle and enriching their overall university experience.

An excellent way is to join Greek life! Female students have numerous college sororities to choose from. But what are sororities, and how can joining one help make your college life easier, more fun, and more meaningful? 

Popular culture, like TV shows and movies, often portrays sororities as synonymous with wild parties where alcohol and drugs are common. However, the latter is taken seriously with proactive measures to help students avoid the pitfalls of alcohol and substance abuse. 

Beyond the realms of fiction, sororities are often about educating their members about the safety measures for such events, with most following alcohol policies that govern the rules of consumption. 

A sorority is a term that refers to a sisterhood formed around common goals and aspirations, as defined by Ball State University. Women in a sorority commit to each other for life, sharing their efforts throughout challenging academic struggles. The friendship and knowledge they build through the years transcend their stay at the university. 

As part of Greek society, the sorority is a staple in many colleges and universities throughout the United States. While the Greek organization’s initial foundation revolved around the need to discuss current events, the societies have since broadened their roles. Sororities, through their activities, shape their members’ moral, leadership, and social skills. 

Most sororities have a set of principles that guide the members’ actions. New college students must weigh their options and choose the best sorority that reflects their values and beliefs. Recruitment events are often common around the campus, with each sorority advancing its activities, scholarships, and philanthropy. 

Pros and Cons of Sororities

Sororities offer a wealth of opportunities for their members. However, it is not without cons. Looking at the advantages and disadvantages of joining one will help new students make up their minds. 

Is joining a sorority worth it? Well, here are some of its many pros:

Foster Social Skills 

It is not uncommon for many first-year students to be shy around new people. What better way to coax one out of their shell than to take part in social interactions? Joining a sorority will give them that kind of opportunity. They will be able to meet new people from diverse backgrounds with different experiences and motivations. While overwhelming at first, getting used to interacting with a large group of like-minded women can improve one’s social skills and allow one to be better at expressing themselves. 

Build Professional Network 

As an integral part of university life, networking ushers in a wealth of opportunities. Being part of a sorority will allow students to build connections with existing students on the campus and even professionals who belong to the same organization.

The alumni, most especially, can be highly beneficial to new sorority members who can learn a lot from them. Eventually, the connections one builds within the sorority can benefit them, whether it is through landing interviews, winning mentorship, acquiring recommendation letters, or listing references. 

Develop a Culture of Philanthropy 

Most sororities are championing advocacy. This commitment to helping society become a better place to live is ever-present in their enshrined values. Members raise funds for a valuable cause or take part in hands-on volunteer work. This experience will help them grow not just as students pursuing academic excellence but also as responsible and compassionate members of society. They will develop the lifelong habit of giving back. 

Promote Academic Excellence 

Most sororities maintain a set scholastic standard that distinguishes them from other campus organizations. It is not unusual to find sororities that cultivate a thirst for excellence. They often have programs that support their fellow members academically, allowing them to reach their academic goals. They also give incentives and recognition to those who can achieve academic success. 

Acquire Leadership Skills 

Leading is a strong college trait that will remain extremely valuable long after they graduate. Sororities offer opportunities for leadership development through a variety of programs. It is common for members to take on leadership positions within the organization. There are also conferences and committee involvement that further hone their leadership skills. 

Form Lasting Friendship Ties 

Friendship is often thrown around lightly, but the relationship built with sisters often lasts a lifetime in many sororities. They share the same frustrations, challenges, and goals, which allow them to form a bond that can only be experienced in a sorority. 

Now that the pros are revealed, it is time to look at some of the cons. Knowing what one is getting into can help them evade unwanted consequences!

Requires Time and Effort 

Joining a sorority is not a walk in the park. The pledging process, for one, can take away what little free time a freshman student has. They can expect to spend many hours outside their classrooms attending meetings, showing up in the chapter houses, and completing required tasks.

Sorority members have to pour so much time and effort into the initiation process, often risking disruptions in their study and sleep schedule. Even after the pledging phase, sorority members are required to attend meetings, incurring fines otherwise. 

Costs a Lot of Money 

It is no secret that joining sororities can cost money. On top of exorbitant tuition fees and other education-related expenses, sorority members are expected to pay dues for a single semester, which can sometimes reach more than $1000. Along with these dues, they are often compelled to buy t-shirts, membership pins, and tickets to the Big Formal. 

Could Be a Breeding Ground for Abuse 

It cannot be entirely avoided: the culture of alcohol and substance abuse. These are common hazards in a Greek organization. Some unsuspecting college freshmen might give in to pressure and get in trouble by drinking too much, all for the desire for acceptance. While some of the drinking instances are often recreational, they can risk developing real alcohol problems in the future. 

Methodology

Let us help you find the best school program that fits your educational requirements for starting a new career, a job promotion, or simply meeting your personal goals. Our researchers at PremiumSchools.org utilize these indicators of excellent academic standards to locate exceptional school programs that provide the best sorority experience.

The following schools are listed in random order. As each and every school displays its own unique qualities and strengths, you should search our list based on your needs and career aspirations.

The following factors were considered: 

• Offers classes for flexible or convenient attendance without compromising hands-on training, leaving you time to participate in sorority activities,
• Exhibits rigorous, yet engaging and innovative training in the coursework that takes into account the readiness of students to take the next step to their budding career and in a positive sorority experience,
• Taught by outstanding faculty consisting of experts in their field,
• Held in high esteem among academic agencies, industry organizations, and journalistic resources,
• Displays stellar reviews and feedback from school alumni and students,
• Offers a convenient application process,
• Provides exceptional Student Career Centers, Resource Departments, and easy-to-use Learning Management Systems, where applicable, 
• Permits a wide range of scholarships, grants, and other financial support programs for eligible students,
• Ensures the proper Accreditation in accordance with academic standards in all fields.

If you would like to learn more about our selection process, feel free to see our Methodology page! 

US Colleges with the Best Sororities

Purdue University

Popular Sororities: Alpha Chi Omega, Delta Zeta

As one of the big ten schools providing world-class education, especially in engineering, Purdue University is also rich in culture and tradition. This Indiana-based university has dozens of organizations within its campus. Its Fraternity, Sorority, and Cooperative communities are one of the country’s largest. More than 6,000 students have membership in over 90 organizations. 

Sororities are pretty common. About 20% of the universities’ undergraduates are members of these communities. There are currently more than 80 fraternities and sororities in Purdue. One of them is the Alpha Chi Omega. Founded on April 26, 1918, this sorority celebrated its centennial in 2018.

Originally founded as a musical organization, Alpha Chi Omega is represented by the symbol of a lyre. They champion the fight against domestic violence through awareness, prevention, and education. The Alpha Chi Omega sorority identifies scarlet and olive green as their colors. 

Another known sorority within the campus is Delta Zeta. This sorority boasts of a sense of belonging that it affords its members. They live by their commitments to friendship, community, and generosity. 

Indiana University Bloomington

Popular Sorority: Alpha Delta Pi

Since 1845, sororities have been a staple at Indiana University Bloomington. The sorority and fraternity community has nearly 8,000 members, making up 24% of the undergraduate population. The university’s Student Affairs office requires interested students to complete the Prospective Member Orientation, an interactive online program, to help them learn about the sorority and fraternity life in the university.

It also assists them as they explore their options and find a sorority that reflects their values. Joining a sorority, after all, is often a lifelong decision. 

One of the most popular sororities at UI is Alpha Delta Pi. Founded in 1851, this sorority values scholarships, sisterhood, and campus involvement. These values are reflected in their various commitments and activities. They have supported a lot of charities, including Ronald McDonald House Charities. Students who want to join this sorority are required to hold a GPA of 3.0 or better.  

Arizona State University

Popular Sorority: Alpha Epsilon Phi

At Arizona State University, sororities have been part of campus life for more than 85 years. The university boasts over 70 Greek-lettered organizations. It is the institution’s aim for sororities to be values-based and impact-driven, hence establishing the New American Fraternity and Sorority Community.

Community members usually stand out academically, get elected to leadership roles, raise funds for charitable organizations, dedicate hours to community service, and enshrine campus traditions year in and year out. Females interested in joining are required to attend a recruitment orientation to participate in educational sessions about the formal recruitment process and possible house tours. 

Founded in 1909, Alpha Epsilon Phi is one of the most popular sororities at Arizona State University. This organization is dedicated to supporting women to become the best they can be. There is an emphasis on individuality. Members are often encouraged to develop their talents and abilities. Women of all backgrounds who appreciate the sorority’s heritage are welcome. 

Pennsylvania State University

Popular Sorority: Alpha Omicron Pi

Boasting one of the largest fraternity and sorority communities in North America, Pennsylvania State University requires sororities to be recognized as an affiliate group of a national or international sorority. At present, there are a total of 27 recognized sororities in the university.

These sororities commit to the basic principles of membership, including academic achievement, service and philanthropy, leadership, sisterhood, social, and alumni involvement. Approved Panhellenic Sorority Chapters at PSU are provided with housing at South Halls. Sorority members are great contributors to the campus and town communities through their philanthropic works. 

Alpha Omicron Pi is one of the most recognized sororities on the campus. Established in 1897, this organization lives by the following core values: character, dignity, scholarship, and college loyalty. Most of the members join the sorority through a formal recruitment process on campus. When they first join, members are required to meet weekly to learn about AOII, including its history, policies, and principles.

As always the case, they also advance philanthropic programs and commitments. Alpha Omicron Pi has supported the Arthritis Foundation since 1967, having contributed millions of dollars for education initiatives, assistance for families, and research.

Ball State University

Popular Sorority: Alpha Pi

With more than 2,000 members at Ball State University, fraternity and sorority communities are thriving. In 2018, their collective effort raised more than $280,000 for charity. Under the Panhellenic Association, undergraduate women at Ball State University can participate in primary recruitment, provided they meet the minimum GPA requirement of 2.6 for incoming first-year students and a cumulative GPA of 2.6 for both current Ball State and transfer students. Member dues range depending on whether one is a new member or an active member. 

Fraternity houses offer students a more cost-effective option than residence halls, with the average monthly rate at around $500 per month. It is also possible for new sorority members to avail themselves of scholarships. 

Founded in 1872 at Syracuse University, Alpha Pi promotes sisterhood. It also cultivates leadership skills, encourages intellectual curiosity, and advocates service. At Ball State, the Delta Rho Chapter was established on November 7, 1964. The sorority’s chosen beneficiaries for its philanthropic efforts are the Alpha Pi Foundation and Cardiac Care and Research. Members can avail of on-campus housing on the 3^rd floor of Wood Hall (Woodworth Complex). 

University of California, Berkeley

Popular Sorority: Kappa Kappa Gamma

At the University of California, the fraternity and sorority community is guided by the four pillars of the community, scholarship, leadership, and service. The current undergraduate members across over 50 local, national, and international sororities and fraternities have reached 3,400.

There is a sense of belonging when one joins a sorority at the University of California Berkeley. They live by the principles of scholarship, leadership, community service, social activities, and sisterhood. 

In 1880, the first sorority at the University of California was founded. It was known as the first national college sorority west of the Rockies. Kappa Kappa Gamma thrives on tradition, leadership, academics, and friendship.

The sorority was built on strong shared values, aiming to provide a community for women to realize their potential and achieve a transformative impact in their college life and beyond the university. The sorority home for Kappa Kappa Gamma was originally designed by the first female architect in California, Julia Morgan. It was later renovated into its current state today. 

University of Georgia

Popular Sorority: Alpha Delta Pi

The University of Georgia has established the Panhellenic Council, the governing body for female fraternities and sororities under the National Panhellenic Conference. The council is tasked to promote cooperation and cohesiveness within the Greek community. It also oversees the formal recruitment and sponsoring of community service opportunities. Currently, the university recognizes a total of 19 Panhellenic chapters.

Students often join sororities at the University of Georgia for opportunities to meet new people and build lasting friendships. The members of sororities are provided with housing within walking distance of the campus. 

The Alpha Delta Pi, also known as the Adelphean Society, is notable for its mission of bettering the moral, mental, and social aspects of their lives. It was founded in 1851 and was the first secret society for college women.

The Alpha Delta Pi chapter is quite active on the University of Georgia campus. Some of the organization’s activities and events include the Clarke County Mentoring Program, UGA athletics, Arch Society, and Relay for Life, among many others. A diamond symbolizes them.

Vanderbilt University

Popular Sorority: Zeta Phi Beta

From 2019 to 2020, the undergraduate members of Greek organizations within Vanderbilt University accounted for 32% of the student population. One of the areas of strength of fraternities and sororities at Vanderbilt is their academic success.

The higher-than-average GPA exemplifies their high performance in the classroom. Beyond the classroom, members of sororities are also making an impact. Through their community service and philanthropic efforts, they contribute greatly to the improvement of Nashville and the broader global community.

One of the recognized sororities on campus is the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., founded way back in 1920. Their principle revolves around eschewing sorority elitism and socializing, focusing their efforts instead on addressing societal mores, ills, poverty, and health concerns of the present day.

Their philanthropy work is centered on the NAACP, Urban League, and March of Dimes. The chapter within Vanderbilt makes it its mission to design innovative programs within the campus, serve the Nashville community, and uphold the principles of its founders and charter members. 

University of Texas at Austin

Popular Sorority: Alpha Kappa Alpha

Home to around 60 sororities and fraternities, the University of Texas at Austin has six governing councils. It promotes leadership, academic achievement, community service, and sisterhood. Developing a diverse and inclusive community is also integral to their founding principles. 

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is one of the many recognized sororities within the campus. Since 1959, its Delta Xi chapter in the University of Texas at Austin maintained its commitment to helping its members reach lifelong personal and professional development. They are also very active when it comes to championing effective advocacy and social change.

Their support extends to health promotion, environmental ownership, educational enrichment, and family strengthening. For new members, they are required to meet the minimum GPA of 2.5. They are also expected to have high scholastic achievement and ethical and moral standards. 

University of Alabama

Popular Sorority: Alpha Gamma Delta

The University of Alabama has founded the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, where chapter support services are offered. With 24 sororities within the campus, the university holds the discretion to recognize Greek societies.

There is an emphasis on diversity, risk management, and membership recruitment. Some of its recognized sororities include Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Chi, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omega Epsilon, and Alpha Omicron Pi, among many others. 

Alpha Gamma Delta allows letters of recommendation from its collegiate and alumnae members in the recruitment process. Originally founded by 11 women at the home of a Syracuse professor, this sorority lives by the motto, “Inspire the Woman. Impact the World.”

Their known mascot is a squirrel, and a pearl represents their jewel. Alpha Gamma Delta lists diabetes awareness and education as some of its philanthropic endeavors. 

Michigan State University

Popular Sorority: Chi Omega

Michigan University has had a flourishing community for fraternities and sororities since 1872. Some of the main attractions to joining a sorority on the campus include building lifelong relationships and sisterhood, personal and career growth, and a network of alumni that transcends the university campus.

All in all, there are about 24 sororities at Michigan University under three governing councils. Most of these sororities are committed to service, leadership, philanthropy, women empowerment, and so much more. 

Since its foundation in 1895, the Chi Omega sorority went on to become the largest sorority globally, boasting 385,000 initiated members under 181 collegiate chapters and more than 240 alumnae chapters. The recruitment process can be fully structured, partially structured, minimally structured, or continuous. The Xi Gamma chapter at Michigan State University has been in existence since 1905.

Members must live in the sorority house for two years, but new members are often given priority spots. The sorority emphasizes lifelong friendships, community involvement, and opportunities for personal growth and development. Their philanthropic support goes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

University of Tennessee Knoxville

Popular Sorority: Tri Delta

There are currently 45 active registered student organizations at the University of Tennessee, with more than 5,000 students joining these organizations. Fraternal organizations make up 23% of the undergraduate population. Around 13 women sororities are under the Panhellenic Council, while four sororities belong to the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

The University of Tennessee in Knoxville students enjoy unique opportunities to acquire a balanced college life where academic excellence, sisterhood, service, social interaction, and leadership development go hand in hand. 

Delta Delta Delta is one of the recognized sororities within the campus. Their chapter is known as Tri Delta, which was founded in 1923. Members of this sorority are required to meet an average GPA of 2.49. Entering newcomers can join if they have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

They have a strong civic engagement tradition, with members required to log an average of 10 hours of community service. Their philanthropy commitment extends to St. Jude Children’s Cancer Research Hospital and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Their symbol is a pansy, and their mascot is a dolphin. 

Oregon State University

Popular Sorority: Chi Theta Phi

The Oregon State University boasts a total of 45 Greek society chapters on campus, encompassing five communities, including the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and the Panhellenic Council (PHC).

Some of the values put forward by the university’s Greek societies include scholarship, community service, philanthropy, friendship, inclusivity, and leadership. 

One of the unique sororities on campus is the Chi Theta Phi, focusing on the School of Design and Human Environment. It was locally founded in the Oregon State University in 2013.

Its professional focus makes it stand out among its fellow Greek communities, with its social and academic activities concentrated in interior design, apparel design, graphic design, merchandising management, and housing studies. Their colors are aquamarine blue and tangerine orange. Their philanthropy work focus is often decided by a chapter-wide vote, with options limited to local organizations. 

University of Wisconsin

Popular Sorority: Zeta Xi (Delta Sigma Theta)

The Greek communities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have principles centered around brotherhood and sisterhood, scholarship, leadership, service, and philanthropy. Currently, the university has almost 60 recognized fraternities and sororities, boasting around 4,000 members.

They have 16 sororities, including Alpha Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Gamma Phi Beta, Delta Gamma, Sigma Delta Tau, Delta Sigma Theta, and Zeta Phi Beta, among others. The university recognizes chapters and councils that excel in various aspects with an All Greek Awards program every year. 

Founded in 1969, the local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, known as Zeta Xi, was established by nine women dedicated to the sorority’s ideals as a public service organization. Nationally, the sorority has more than 190,000 members to date, most of whom are African-Americans. They are committed to serving the community. The local chapter in the University of Wisconsin Madison’s efforts encompass Voter Registration, Adopt-A-Highway, Laff Jam, and DeltApollo. 

University of Arkansas 

Popular Sororities: Greek Life Chapters

Committed to the belief that joining a sorority can usher in a rewarding experience that lasts a lifetime, the University of Arkansas has 11 chapters comprised of members united by common goals and ideals.

These sororities have a variety of activities that strengthen their bonds and allow them to meet new people. Some of the recognized sororities on campus include Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Omicron Pi, Chi Omega, Zeta Tau Alpha, and Pi Beta Phi. 

To perpetuate lasting friendships, the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority boasts around 270,000 members. It greatly supports the development of individual potential and growth through close bonds of sisterhood where uniqueness is celebrated. Founded in 1898 in Virginia State Female Normal School, Zeta Tau Alpha made its presence known at the University of Arkansas only in 1954.

The sorority is part of the National Panhellenic Council, the second-largest among 26 groups. Nationally, it supports breast cancer education and awareness through its philanthropic efforts. It has formed partnerships with the American Cancer Society National Football League and Bright Pink.

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