Does UCLA have sororities? Yes! In fact, since 1923, fraternities and sororities have been a key part of campus life at UCLA. Today, there are around 60 Greek-letter organizations, both local and national, spread across six governing councils. With about 3,500 students involved, Greek life represents 13% of UCLA’s undergrad community. This includes UCLA sororities that are as celebrated as its male counterparts.
The UCLA Panhellenic Association is the largest women’s group on campus, overseeing 10 National Panhellenic Conference sororities plus one associate member sorority. Focused on building a strong community, the Panhellenic Council encourages excellence in academics, campus involvement, and sisterhood.
This blog introduces all of the UCLA sororities under the school’s Panhellenic Association. We also provide other sororities that you may be interested in.
- What Is the UCLA Panhellenic Association?
- UCLA Sororities under the UCLA Panhellenic Association
- Other UCLA Sororities under Different Councils
- Should You Join These UCLA Sororities?
- 3 Red Flags You Should Look for before Sorority Pledging
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What Is the UCLA Panhellenic Association?
The UCLA Panhellenic Association is the largest women’s group on campus, overseeing 10 National Panhellenic Conference sororities plus one associate member sorority. Focused on building a strong community, the Panhellenic Council encourages academic excellence, campus involvement, and sisterhood.
The UCLA Panhellenic Association offers much more than just membership in UCLA sororities. It’s a community that empowers you to grow as a leader through roles on the Executive Council and various committees where you can impact the Greek community.
Philanthropy is a big part of Panhellenic life. Each chapter partners with specific charities and participates in community service projects, encouraging everyone to give back and make a positive difference. There’s also a strong focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, with dedicated efforts to ensure all members feel welcome and valued.
The Panhellenic community aims to create unforgettable memories and friendships. With events like formals, mixers, and sisterhood retreats, you’ll have plenty of chances to bond with others and truly enjoy your college experience. Some sororities even offer housing. This allows members to live together in a supportive, close-knit environment that feels like a home away from home.
UCLA Sororities under the UCLA Panhellenic Association
The UCLA Panhellenic community consists of 10 member chapters and one associate member chapter, each with its own unique vibe and a diverse group of accomplished women. Every chapter brings together a mix of personalities and passions, and each sisterhood celebrates its own set of core values.
Take note this is not a form of UCLA sorority rankings. We aim to introduce these female-led groups to help you choose the right sorority for you.
1. Alpha Chi Omega (Alpha Psi Chapter)
Through a range of philanthropic and social events, Alpha Chi Omega is one of the UCLA sororities that encourages members to embrace core values like leadership, empathy, and ambition while always aiming for excellence. Since 2000, Alpha Chi Omega has embodied these values through academic achievements, community service, personal growth, and strong relationship-building.
Philanthropy is truly at the heart of Alpha Chi Omega, with Domestic Violence Awareness as a key focus. Every year, the chapter organizes events to raise funds for the Santa Monica Sojourn Center, a shelter program providing crisis and transitional housing to individuals and families in need.
2. Alpha Delta Pi (Alpha Chi Chapter)
Alpha Delta Pi, originally called the Adelphean Society, made history as the first secret society for women, founded on May 15, 1851, at Wesleyan Female College in Georgia, and opening doors for women in the fraternity system. Established at UCLA in 1925, the Alpha Chi Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi is one of the UCLA sororities that is a thriving community of smart, hardworking, and compassionate women.
Alpha Delta Pi’s international philanthropy is the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides housing for families while their children receive hospital care. This keeps families close during tough times at little to no cost.
Through this partnership, ADPi chapters have raised over $15 million. The annual Lion’s Cup is a fun way to support RMH. It brings together Greek Life for a soccer tournament, where ADPis can also be team captains and referees. It creates connections across Greek rows while making a difference.
3. Alpha Phi (Beta Delta Chapter)
Alpha Phi at UCLA brings together an inspiring group of women who build successful futures through volunteering, social activities, and academic excellence. From cheering for the Bruins and rowing with the UCLA Crew Team to competing on the tennis courts and soccer field, Alpha Phis are active in sports and student life. You’ll also find them involved in student government, writing for the Daily Bruin, and making a difference in the local community.
The Alpha Phi Foundation, supported by generous alumnae and donors, is dedicated to advancing women’s heart health through research and education. Their annual Heart to Heart Grant awards $100,000 to medical professionals working to understand and improve heart disease treatment and prevention in women. Since 1993, this grant has funded over 30 projects to enhance women’s cardiovascular care.
4. Chi Omega (Gamma Beta Chapter)
Chi Omega, founded in 1895 at the University of Arkansas, is the largest women’s fraternal organization worldwide, with over 414,000 members, 181 collegiate chapters, and 248 alumnae chapters. Throughout its history, Chi Omega has been one of the UCLA sororities that has offered members incredible personal growth, community, and leadership opportunities.
Since its founding, Chi Omega has dedicated itself to serving others. In the late 1990s, the organization’s leadership sought a national philanthropic partner, which led to the Chi Omega/Make-A-Wish alliance in 2002. Since then, Chi Omega has raised over $37 million and contributed more than 1.5 million volunteer hours to support Make-A-Wish, earning recognition as a Cause Champion sponsor for their ongoing commitment.
5. Delta Gamma (Alpha Sigma Chapter)
Delta Gamma was founded in 1873 by Anna Boyd Ellington, Eva Webb Dodd, and Mary Comfort Leonard at the Lewis School for Girls in Oxford, Mississippi, near the University of Mississippi. Since then, Delta Gamma has grown to include over 142,000 women, with 146 collegiate chapters and more than 250 alumnae groups across the U.S. and Canada.
One of the unique aspects of our chapter is that Delta Gamma founded Blind Children’s Center (BCC) in Los Angeles as the main local beneficiary. Being nearby allows members to regularly visit the school, join fundraisers, spend time with the kids during recess, and even decorate holiday cards for visually impaired children. Other Delta Gamma beneficiaries include Guide Dogs for the Blind, which provides guide dogs at no cost, and Joining Forces, an initiative supporting veterans.
6. Gamma Phi Beta (Alpha Iota Chapter)
Gamma Phi Beta at UCLA is part of a nationwide sisterhood that’s been going strong for over 140 years. As one of the 10 oldest Greek organizations in North America and the first to be called a “sorority,” Gamma Phi Beta is one of the oldest UCLA sororities that has carried forward the vision of its founders since it was established on November 11, 1874.
Their philanthropy, Girls on the Run, is a nonprofit that pairs Gamma Phi Beta members with pre-teen girls in the greater Los Angeles area to train together for a 5k run. While the race at the end is a fun achievement, Girls on the Run is all about building confidence, resilience, and strength in young girls in many meaningful ways.
7. Kappa Alpha Theta (Beta Xi Chapter)
Each year, the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation helps hundreds of women achieve their academic goals, awarding over $800,000 in scholarships. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $12,000, and applicants may even qualify for multiple awards, including merit- and need-based scholarships, depending on their qualifications.
Once you submit Theta Foundation’s application, you’ll be automatically considered for any of the 100+ scholarships you’re eligible for. If you choose the “Need-based” application option, you’ll be reviewed for both need- and merit-based scholarships as long as your application is complete. The only cap is a lifetime limit of $40,000 in scholarships and grants per recipient, but you can reapply every year, with each cycle considered independently.
8. Kappa Delta (Alpha Iota Chapter)
Kappa Delta Sorority was founded in 1897 at what’s now Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, by four young women who dreamed of creating a lasting sisterhood. Today, Kappa Delta is one of the UCLA sororities that has grown into a nationwide community with over 300,000 members, 168 collegiate chapters, and more than 200 alumnae chapters across the U.S.
In 1998, Kappa Delta partnered with Girl Scouts of the USA as a national philanthropy, empowering members to positively impact over 14,000 girls each year. The Kappa Delta Foundation also supports the Girl Scout Gold Award program with annual scholarships for Gold Award recipients, the highest honor in Girl Scouting. Since 1981, Kappa Delta has been committed to Prevent Child Abuse America, an organization started by Kappa Delta sister Donna Stone. To date, Kappa Delta has donated more than $29 million toward child abuse prevention in the U.S.
9. Kappa Kappa Gamma (Gamma Xi Chapter)
A big highlight of Kappa Kappa Gamma as one of the UCLA sororities is the annual philanthropy event, A Day in the Life. Each year, elementary school kids are welcomed to campus for a fun, hands-on experience of what it’s like to be a Bruin. With games, campus tours, reading sessions, and learning UCLA cheers and trivia, the goal is to inspire these young students to set their sights on higher education.
The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation also supports members with scholarships, financial aid, member education, and programs celebrating Kappa’s history and values. Most merit-based scholarships are $3,000, while need-based awards are $5,000, helping Kappas succeed and contribute positively to their communities at every stage.
10. Pi Beta Phi (California Delta Chapter)
Champions are Readers® (CAR) is Pi Beta Phi’s unique reading program designed for kids from pre-K through third grade. Since 2003, it’s reached thousands of students across the U.S. and Canada, connecting Pi Phis with young readers in their communities. Among other UCLA sororities’ programs, CAR stands out as it is all about creating a positive reading experience through interactive mentoring, tailored to meet different academic needs.
Moreover, Local Impact Grants help Pi Beta Phi chapters expand their literacy outreach and support local reading programs and book access for kids. Chapters and alumnae clubs raise funds for The Literacy Fund at the Pi Beta Phi Foundation, allowing them to nominate a local literacy nonprofit to receive a grant. Through this program, 25% of each chapter’s fundraising efforts go directly to a local organization, matched dollar-for-dollar by the Foundation.
11. Phi Sigma Rho (Nu Chapter)
Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority specifically for women in engineering and hard sciences. As an associate member chapter, Phi Sigma Rho participates in many of the same activities as other chapters but has a unique major requirement for joining. Recruitment for Phi Sigma Rho takes place separately, with opportunities to join during both fall and winter quarters.
Other UCLA Sororities Under Different Councils
The UCLA Panhellenic Association is not the only sorority council available on the campus. There are also UCLA sororities that are either independent or under different councils.
1. Chi Alpha Delta
Chi Alpha Delta, founded in 1929, is the first Asian-interest sorority in the nation. It was created to foster friendships, communication, and a sense of community among Asian university women, while also promoting school spirit and service.
Over the years, Chi Alpha Delta has welcomed women of all Asian backgrounds, ensuring its original mission lives on through each new generation. Every year, the sorority stays active with community service projects throughout Los Angeles, social events with other local Greek organizations, and a strong focus on academic excellence—all while building on a sisterhood that’s nearly 100 years strong!
2. Theta Kappa Phi
Theta Kappa Phi, founded on June 4, 1959, holds the title of UCLA’s first official Asian-American sorority. Truly, it is one of the most groundbreaking UCLA sororities because of what it stood and continues to stand for. With a legacy rooted in friendship, service, and academic excellence, the founding members set out to make a positive impact on the university and the community.
Now celebrating over 60 years of sisterhood, Thetas continue to build on these core values, inspired by their motto, “Quod semper, et ubique, et ob omnibus” (“At all times, everywhere, and by all”). Thetas are proud of their strong and supportive sisterhood, creating a close-knit community that empowers each member to make a difference wherever they go.
3. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., established on November 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana, became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, with the Alpha chapter at Butler University. From the beginning, the women of Sigma Gamma Rho have earned a respected reputation for driving positive change, and uplifting communities through sisterhood, leadership, and service.
With over 100,000 collegiate and professional women from all backgrounds, Sigma Gamma Rho has grown to more than 500 chapters across the U.S., Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, South Korea, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the UAE. Alongside its collegiate chapters, the sorority includes affiliate groups, such as the Rhoer Club for teenage girls and the Philos Affiliates for friends of the sorority, both of which actively support service efforts.
On the West Coast, the Sigma Sigma Chapter is one of the UCLA sororities that is a proud provider of scholarship and community service. It hosts events like the Our Author’s Study Club Oratorical Contest, National Youth Symposium, Soles for Little Souls Shoe Drive, and Operation Big Book Bag. The Sigma Sigma Chapter has paved the way for the Western Region with its commitment to the “rhoyal” blue and gold legacy of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Should You Join These UCLA Sororities?
Joining a sorority at UCLA can be a highly rewarding choice, especially considering that Greek organization members often show higher graduation rates than non-Greek students, with many schools noting a 10-20% advantage.
Research indicates that sorority membership is associated with higher graduation rates than non-members. A study by the National Panhellenic Conference found that sorority members had a six-year graduation rate of 84%, surpassing the 71% rate of non-members. Additionally, the four-year “on-time” graduation rate for sorority members was 58%, compared to 46% for non-members.
UCLA Sororities also connect you to a vast alumnae network, providing potential career boosts, as sorority alumnae frequently stay active and supportive long after graduation.
More than academics and career benefits, Greek life offers a tight-knit community. It makes a large campus feel more personal and welcoming. Each sorority has its unique character—some lean toward social events, while others focus on academics or philanthropy—so finding the right fit is essential for a truly fulfilling experience.
3 Red Flags You Should Look for before Sorority Pledging
While UCLA sororities can offer lifelong friendships, leadership opportunities, and a strong support network, there can also be downsides worth considering. Each sorority has its own unique culture, and sometimes that culture may not be the best fit for everyone.
Before pledging, it’s essential to look out for potential red flags that could indicate whether a sorority’s environment aligns with your values and goals. Here are three major red flags to keep in mind as you decide:
1. Excessive focus on appearance
If a sorority heavily emphasizes looks, appearances, or social media image over personal character, it could be a sign of a more superficial culture. This focus might lead to unhealthy pressure or expectations, so it’s important to find a group that values you for who you are, not just how you look.
2. High financial expectations
Greek life comes with dues, but if a sorority expects large, frequent expenses beyond the standard dues (like costly events, trips, or exclusive clothing), this could signal financial stress ahead. Make sure to ask about expected costs upfront and decide if you’re comfortable with those commitments. During the first quarter, new member dues typically range from approximately $1,269 to $2,366.16. These fees cover initiation and other initial expenses. After the initial quarter active member dues generally range from about $823.33 to $1,382.67 per quarter. These dues fund ongoing chapter activities and events.
3. Negative reputation on campus
A sorority with a reputation for cliques, drama, or exclusion could be a sign of deeper issues within the chapter. If current members or others around campus mention recurring negative experiences, it may be wise to take it seriously and find a group with a more positive and supportive environment.
Considering these red flags can help you choose a sorority experience that will be healthy, supportive, and aligned with your own values.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there other UCLA sororities that are not members of the National Panhellenic Conference?
Yes, UCLA hosts several sororities that are not part of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC). These include organizations under different councils, such as the Asian Greek Council, Latinx Greek Council, Multi-Interest Greek Council, and National Pan-Hellenic Council. For instance, Chi Alpha Delta Sorority is part of the Asian Greek Council, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
2. How many sororities does UCLA have?
The Panhellenic Association, the largest women’s organization on campus, governs 10 National Panhellenic Conference sororities and one associate member sorority. Additionally, there are sororities under other councils, such as the Asian Greek Council, Latinx Greek Council, Multi-Interest Greek Council, and National Pan-Hellenic Council, bringing the total number of sororities at UCLA to approximately 17.
3. Does UCLA have sorority houses?
Yes, UCLA sororities have houses sprawled across the campus. Many of the university’s sororities maintain private housing adjacent to campus, with an average capacity of 50 students per house. Moreover, UCLA frat houses are also available throughout the campus.
Takeaways
UCLA’s sororities offer diverse options, with the Panhellenic Council, Asian Greek Council, Latinx Greek Council, and more, each providing unique cultural or academic focuses.
- Each sorority is heavily invested in philanthropy, often partnering with established organizations like the Ronald McDonald House or Make-A-Wish.
- While sororities offer extensive networking and personal growth opportunities, it’s essential to recognize the financial commitment. Some organizations may have higher costs due to events and activities.
- Academic success is a shared priority among UCLA sororities, with many offering scholarships and resources for academic support.
- If you are aiming to get into UCLA and want to maximize your chances of admission, partner with an expert in the college admission process.
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