Fraternities have played a vital role in college life in the United States for centuries. It has been an excellent source of opportunities for brotherhood, leadership, academic support, and community service. However, the challenge for many wannabe members is finding a fraternity that aligns with their personality, interests, and goals. This article explores the qualities that make a fraternity exceptional and highlights some of the best fraternities in the country.
A fraternity can be defined in many different ways, but at most U.S. colleges and universities, it refers to an organization of male students. This brotherhood is founded on shared interests and aspirations, rooted in commitment that extends even outside of the university.
The most prestigious fraternity promotes camaraderie as what others do. Despite common misconceptions fueled by popular culture, fraternities provide numerous benefits to their members. Beyond the stereotypes of hazing and wild parties, fraternities offer much more. Many promote values important to academic success, leadership development, alumni engagement, and philanthropy.
Here is a comprehensive list of the top fraternities in the country in 2024:
- Pi Kappa Alpha
- Alpha Phi Alpha
- Tau Kappa Epsilon
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Sigma Phi Epsilon
- Kappa Alpha Society
- Sigma Chi
- Lambda Sigma Upsilon
- Kappa Delta Rho
- Sigma Nu
Criteria for Fraternity Rankings
Academic Performance and Support: A fraternity’s strength is often measured by its members’ academic success. Top fraternities prioritize academics by offering organized study hours, scholarships, and tutoring. Many also have minimum GPA requirements, highlighting their commitment to academic excellence.
Community Service and Philanthropy: Community service is another key criterion. Leading fraternities regularly organize and participate in service projects, often partnering with local charities for fundraisers, mentoring, and community clean-up events. These activities benefit the community and help members develop empathy, compassion, and responsibility. The best fraternities establish long-term partnerships with organizations, demonstrating a sustained commitment to community service.
Leadership Development Opportunities: Leadership development is fundamental in fraternities. Members gain experience through chapter governance and committee work, with structured programs to develop their leadership skills. These roles prepare members for future endeavors by involving them in event organization, budget management, conflict mediation, and decision-making.
Top fraternities in the US also offer workshops, seminars, and guest speaker events to enhance leadership abilities, allowing members to learn from experienced leaders and gain valuable insights.
The Best Fraternities in the US
University of Origin: University of Virginia
Founded at the University of Virginia in 1868, Pi Kappa Alpha, commonly known as Pike, has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the world’s largest and most prestigious fraternities. Dedicated to developing integrity, intellect, success, and high moral character, Pike is a Greek letter secret society that is rooted in truth, honor, and loyalty. Some consider Pi Kappa Alpha to be the most prestigious fraternity, and in some aspects, it cannot be contested.
The fraternity’s origins trace back to Room 47 West Range, where Frederick Southgate Taylor and Littleton Waller Tazewell, along with other schoolmates, established the brotherhood. Despite challenges from universities banning secret societies, Pike expanded beyond Virginia, with early chapters at Davidson College and William & Mary.
Pike, one of the best fraternities in the US, is known for cultivating a culture of excellence, with many chapters achieving GPAs above campus and Greek averages. They support new members with study hours, tutoring, and mentoring, helping them adjust to college life. The fraternity emphasizes integrity and aims to develop well-rounded men who become leaders and professionals.
Members strive to embody the values of Scholars, Leaders, Athletes, and Gentlemen. Between 2014 and 2015, Pike raised $2.125 million for philanthropies and performed over 300,000 community service hours.
Popular Members
- Joe T. Ford – CEO of ALLTEL Corporation
- Jason Alkire – fashion designer
- Andy Campion – EVP and CFO of Nike
- Ike Evans – President and COO of Union Pacific Corporation
University of Origin: Cornell University
Alpha Phi Alpha was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, as the first Greek-letter fraternity for African American men. Established by seven college students—Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy—the fraternity aimed to create a strong bond among African American students who faced the same racial prejudice. The founders envisioned a support group that promoted scholarship, fellowship, and good character.
The fraternity quickly grew, establishing chapters at other colleges and universities, primarily African American institutions. Alpha Phi Alpha focused on developing leaders, promoting brotherhood, and achieving academic excellence while addressing the injustices African Americans face, which made it one of the best fraternities in the country.
Notable initiatives include the “Go-to-High School, Go-to-College” campaign to improve education and efforts to encourage African American voter registration. The fraternity contributes significantly to the African American community through scholarships, shelters, and mentoring programs.
Popular Members
- W.E.B. DuBois – famous sociologist
- Martin Luther King Jr. – American minister and activist
- Maynard Jackson – politician
- Thurgood Marshall – civil rights lawyer and former associate Justice of the US Supreme Court
- Jesse Owens – American track and field athlete
- Paul Robeson – athlete and activist
- Julius Chambers – lawyer and civil rights activist
University of Origin: Illinois Wesleyan University
Built on principles of love, charity, and esteem, Tau Kappa Epsilon has a rich 121-year history. If fraternity rankings are to be taken seriously, Tau Kappa Epsilon will only be on the top of the list. It was founded at Illinois Wesleyan University on January 10, 1899, to value men for their character rather than their wealth, rank, or honor.
Today, the fraternity has chapters at various universities and colleges, including Western Connecticut State University, Loyola University Chicago, and Texas Tech University.
Tau Kappa Epsilon emphasizes character advancement and personal development, helping members unlock their greatest potential through mental, moral, and social growth. The fraternity, considered one of the best fraternities in the US, provides numerous opportunities for members to form meaningful connections that aid in their educational, professional, interpersonal, and community success.
Key programs include the Blueprint, Province Forums, and Regional Leadership Conferences, designed to help members improve themselves. The Leadership Academy offers workshops, small-group discussions, and outdoor activities to foster future leaders. Tau Kappa Epsilon also supports academic achievement through the TKE Foundation, granting over $500,000 in scholarships and awards. To its members, TKE is the most prestigious fraternity, and that’s because of the impact it has had to the brotherhood
Popular Members
- Bob Barr – Former United States Representative
- Conrad Hilton – Founder of the Hilton Hotels chain
- George Halas – American football coach and executive
- Terry Bradshaw – American football quarterback
- Ronald Reagan – 40th U.S. President
- William Fowler – Physicist
- James Kilts – CEO of the Gillette Company
- Mike Huckabee – Former Governor of Arkansas
4. Sigma Alpha Epsilon
University of Origin: University of Alabama
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) has a rich history, is known for several groundbreaking initiatives, and has been considered one of the best fraternities in the US. It was the first fraternity to establish a leadership education program and has led the way in eliminating pledging and banning alcohol at all events.
Founded on March 9, 1856, at the University of Alabama by Nathan Elams Cockrell, John Barratt Rudulph, Noble Leslie DeVotie, John Webb Kerr, Wade Hampton Foster, Samuel Marion Dennis, Thomas Chappell Cook, and Abner Edwin Patton. SAE aims to help men become better individuals.
Today, SAE has expanded to over 200 chapters across various colleges and universities, with more than 300,000 members initiated. The fraternity emphasizes being a True Gentleman, promoting focused principles and strong convictions. Their Phoenix Member Education Program includes onboarding, brother-to-brother lessons, and accolades. SAE also fosters a strong spirit of volunteerism, offering members opportunities for professional development and community engagement.
Popular Members
- Cecil Day – American hotelier
- Tony Lama – Founder of Tony Lama, a popular footwear company
- Elliot Ness – famous law enforcement agent
- Dave Campbell – sportswriter and founder of American Football magazine
- William McKinley – 25th U.S. President
- Joseph Strauss – famous structural engineer
5. Sigma Phi Epsilon
University of Origin: Richmond College
Founded on November 1, 1901, at the University of Richmond, Sigma Phi Epsilon has become one of the most prominent fraternities in the country. The 12 original founders, including Carter Ashton Jenkens, Benjamin Donald Gaw, and William Hugh Carter, set high standards for future members.
Sigma Phi Epsilon is the largest fraternity in the U.S., and is known for innovative programs like the Balanced Man Scholarship and Residential Learning Community. Its Educational Foundation, started by founder William L. “Uncle Billy” Phillips, provides scholarships, leadership programming, and safe housing for undergraduates. The fraternity also established SigEp National Housing to support fraternity housing needs. That and many more are why Sigma Phi Epsilon is included in the list of best fraternities in the country.
Popular Members
- Tom H. Barrett – former CEO of Goodyear
- Kent C. “Oz” Nelson – former CEO of UPS
- Kelcy Lee Warren – CEO of Energy Transfer Partners
- General James T. Conway – four-star General of US Marines
- William L. Waller Jr. – judge
6. Kappa Alpha Society
University of Origin: Union College
Established in 1825 at Union College by John Hart Hunter, a free-thinker and literature lover, the Kappa Alpha Society was founded as a literary society for intellectuals. It is recognized as the first social fraternity in the U.S., aiming to develop its undergraduate members and foster lifelong friendships among alumni.
Kappa Alpha Society has always remained a student-led organization that promotes liberal ideas and progress. Today, it has nine active chapters and focuses on education. The John Hart Hunter Educational Foundation provides scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 to outstanding undergraduate members.
Popular Members
- Robert R. Fowler – diplomat
- William John Bennett – Former US Secretary of Education
- Leander Babcock – popular lawyer and politician
- Jesse O. Norton – American politician
- James Dixon – personality development coach
- Gabriel Bouck – lawyer and politician
7. Sigma Chi
University of Origin: Miami University
Sigma Chi was founded in 1855 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, by seven young men seeking a fraternity that would enrich their college experience. They emphasized fairness, honesty, and the importance of expressing different views while maintaining responsibility, honor, and friendship.
Rooted in friendship, justice, and learning, Sigma Chi aims to develop leadership and character in its members. The fraternity, with over 255,000 living members and more than 350,000 initiates, focuses on personal growth through learning and mentorship.
The Sigma Chi Foundation supports these goals by providing over $30 million in grants and scholarships and offering leadership certificates to undergraduate students. Sigma Chi also promotes volunteerism through events and leadership workshops, which is no wonder it made it to the list of best fraternities.
Popular Member
- Brad Pitt – popular actor
- David Letterman – popular celebrity
- John Wayne – famous actor
- Grover Cleveland – politician
- Joe Cella – diplomat and political advisor
- David Viviano – former justice
8. Lambda Sigma Upsilon
University of Origin: Rutgers University
Lambda Sigma Upsilon was founded in 1979 at Rutgers University in Tillett Hall by 20 Latino men advocating for the rights of minority students. Originally called the Latino Social Fellowship, the brotherhood now emphasizes diversity and inclusivity, further valuing individual growth, social justice, equal opportunity, and educational excellence. They promote friendship and brotherhood while prioritizing academic excellence and cultural awareness.
The fraternity is dedicated to philanthropy and community service, with national initiatives like H.I.V./AIDS Research and Awareness, Live Safe Campaign, H.Y.P.E. Program, and the L.S.U. Foundation. The H.I.V./AIDS Research and Awareness program honors a founder who died from H.I.V. complications and has raised thousands annually through various events.
The L.S.U. Foundation provides grants and scholarships to Latino high school and college students, supports educational and leadership development, and organizes fundraisers for social and community causes. This alone is a good enough reason to consider it one of the best fraternities.
9. Kappa Delta Rho
College of Origin: Middlebury College
Kappa Delta Rho, founded on May 17, 1905, at Middlebury College by three students, has promoted fellowship, truth, justice, and virtue for over a century. Guided by the motto “Honor Super Omnia,” the fraternity originally focused on music and aimed to set new standards for manhood and brotherly love.
The fraternity emphasizes dignity, respect, and lifelong learning, encouraging members to pursue education with passion and engage in community service. The Kappa Delta Rho Foundation supports educational and leadership programs, including the Williams Leadership Academy, Quill & Scroll, and the Undergraduate Intern Program. This foundation ensures the fraternity’s values continue after graduation.
Popular Members
- Robert J. Sinclair – CEO of Saab-Scania of America
- Colston E. Warne – professor and economist
- Archibald C. West – businessman
- Chuck Ealey – American football player
- Greg Manusky – American football coach
- John S. Fisher – politician
10. Sigma Nu
University of Origin: Virginia Military Institute
Founded in 1869 at the Virginia Military Institute, Sigma Nu began as a response to the harsh treatment of underclassmen. Three cadets created a “Legion of Honor” to offer a more respectful and honorable alternative, which later became Sigma Nu Fraternity. The fraternity officially announced itself on January 1, 1869.
In 1970, Sigma Nu expanded, starting a chapter at the University of Virginia and later at North Georgia Agricultural College. Today, Sigma Nu has over 166 active chapters and has initiated 235,000 members.
With the motto “Excelling with Honor,” Sigma Nu focuses on developing men of character and ethical leaders guided by love, honor, and truth. The fraternity promotes lifelong friendships and commitment while also making a significant impact through philanthropy and community service, raising over $1.5 million for charities and contributing over 350,000 service hours. They support various causes, including the Amazing Snake Race.
Popular Member
- Harrison Ford
- Eli Manning
- Paul Rudd
- Bob Barker
- Joe Buck
- William Daniels
- Zane Grey
- Johnny Long
- Dumas Malone
- Al Michaels
The History of Fraternities in US Universities and Colleges
The first fraternity in the United States, Phi Beta Kappa, was established at the College of William and Mary in December 1776. This pioneering organization set the precedent for the fraternity model, which quickly gained popularity. As fraternities spread, hundreds of chapters were founded nationwide, each with its own unique traditions and values.
Initially, these organizations functioned as secret societies, providing students with a space to discuss and debate issues away from faculty oversight. These secret meetings allowed members to express their thoughts freely, fostering intellectual growth and camaraderie.
As higher education evolved, so did fraternities. They expanded their focus beyond secrecy and intellectual pursuits, emphasizing mutual aid, personal development, and preparation for life after college through leadership, scholarship, and service.
Today, the best fraternities remain an important part of the collegiate experience, offering students a sense of belonging and a platform for personal growth. Through their rich history and commitment to brotherhood, fraternities have become integral to the American university landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest fraternity in the US?
The oldest fraternity in the United States is Phi Beta Kappa. It was founded on December 5, 1776, at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Originally established as a literary and debating society, Phi Beta Kappa has evolved into an honor society recognizing outstanding academic achievement in the liberal arts and sciences. Its founding set the precedent for creating other Greek-letter organizations in American higher education.
What is the best fraternity in the US?
There isn’t a single “best” fraternity or most prestigious fraternity in the US, as it largely depends on personal values, campus culture, and individual experiences. Fraternity rankings can vary depending on what you are looking for. Some well-known fraternities with strong national reputations include Sigma Chi, Alpha Tau Omega, and Beta Theta Pi. Each has its own unique traditions, values, and contributions to campus life.
What is the biggest fraternity in the country?
The biggest fraternity in the United States, in terms of undergraduate membership, is Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE). Founded in 1856 at the University of Alabama, SAE has many chapters across the country and a significant active membership.
