It’s no surprise that membership in the best sororities in the US has reportedly increased by 50% over the last decade, even at Ivy League universities and women’s colleges. While some may still cling to an outdated perception of sororities as anti-feminist, their founding in the 19th century was a progressive act. Today, many top houses champion women’s rights, equality, and public service. Originating as a means for female students to find community on male-dominated campuses, sororities continue to serve as a hub of gender solidarity at many colleges.
Sorority sisters often bond over shared cultural, social, academic, or religious interests, and they actively engage in service projects, fundraisers, and formal dances. In this blog, we’ll be sharing everything you need to know about the best sororities in the US.
- What Are the Top 10 Best Sororities in the US?
- What Is the Greek System All About?
- What Is a Sorority?
- What Do You Do in a Sorority?
- How to Join a Sorority
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What Are the Top 10 Best Sororities in the US?
There are over 6,000 sororities across the United States, many with international chapters around the world. Each has its own values and philanthropic focus, so when choosing a sorority, be sure its vision aligns with your own. Here are some of the most prestigious sororities in the US:
1. Chi Omega
Chi Omega is the largest sorority within the National Panhellenic Conference, with initiated members across 181 collegiate and 240 alumnae chapters. As one of the best sororities promoting the Greek life experience, the National Panhellenic Conference oversees 26 women’s sororities.
Founded in 1895 at the University of Arkansas, Chi Omega, like social fraternities, has since initiated over 355,000 members. Every year, the sorority actively recruits from student bodies, welcoming around 28,000 new members. This makes it one of the most popular sororities in the US.
Chi Omega is known as an “intergenerational women’s organization” with a strong commitment to its founding values: personal integrity, friendship, service to others, intellectual growth, academic achievement, campus involvement, and personal development. The organization supports Make-A-Wish as its charity.
Some famous Chi Omega alumni include actress Lucy Liu, author Harper Lee, and NASA astronaut Susan J. Helms.
2. Delta Sigma Theta
Founded at Howard University in 1913 by 22 collegiate women, Delta Sigma Theta emerged from a desire to promote academic excellence and support young women. As one of the best sororities, Delta Sigma Theta made history just months after its creation when members participated in the 1913 Women’s Suffrage March in Washington, D.C.
Similar to social fraternities, Delta Sigma Theta is dedicated to promoting the welfare of the Black community and supporting its members through service programs. In 1930, it became a private, non-profit organization, with over 200,000 members since its founding.
Notable members include civil rights icon Sadie T.M. Alexander, sculptor Tina Allen, and actress Osceola Macarthy Adams, the first Black woman on Broadway.
3. Kappa Alpha Theta
Founded in 1870 at Indiana Asbury College (now DePauw University), Kappa Alpha Theta became the first Greek-letter sorority, established when the student population was predominantly male. Female students, excluded from clubs, found community and friendship through the sorority, thanks to Bettie Locke and three other women.
As one of the best sororities, Kappa Alpha Theta remains true to its founding principle of creating a supportive and inclusive space for women.
The sorority is known for its impact on personal and intellectual development. Notable alumni include fashion designer Kate Spade and actress Ashley Judd.
4. Alpha Kappa Alpha
Founded at Howard University in 1908 by nine college women, has grown into one of the best sororities in the US, with nearly 300,000 members. Known for promoting sisterhood and lifelong connections, Alpha Kappa Alpha emphasizes community service and collaboration with local and national organizations.
Members include civil rights icon Maya Angelou, singer Alicia Keys, and jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald.
5. Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Chi Omega was established in 1885 at DePauw University, originally as a society for women studying music. Since its inception, the sorority has grown to become one of the best sororities in the U.S., known for philanthropy and community service.
Notable members include actress Laura Innes, American diplomat and former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Dawson Creek’s star Meredith Monroe.
6. Alpha Delta Pi
Founded in 1851 at Wesleyan Female College, Alpha Delta Pi is recognized as the world’s first secret society for women. Led by Eugenia Tucket Fitzgerald, the sorority was created to promote personal growth and advancement for women. At the time, it was known as the Adelphean Society.
Together with five of her closest friends, Fitzgerald established what is now one of the best sororities globally. Today, Alpha Delta Pi boasts 161 active chapters on college campuses across the U.S. and Canada. Alpha Delta Pi’s motto is “We Live for Each Other,” and its foundational values are friendship and sincerity.
In keeping with its spirit of social responsibility and unity, Alpha Delta Pi has contributed approximately $16 million to charitable foundations and offers 150 academic scholarships totaling $200,000 annually. The Alpha Delta Pi Foundation also supports members in crisis and provides scholarships and training for alumnae and collegiate sisters. They fund initiatives to combat sexual assault and hazing and host prominent programs such as the Grand Convention and Volunteer Academy.
Notable members include zoologist and author Gertrude Davenport, and District Judge Geraldine Browder Tennant.
7. Phi Mu
Founded in 1852 at Wesleyan College in Georgia, Phi Mu is the second-oldest sorority in the world. It began as a society and literary club, supporting women’s academic and personal development.
You’ll find that Phi Mu is guided by the values of honor, love, and truth, with a strong commitment to serving others. Through partnerships with the Children’s Miracle Network and other philanthropic endeavors, Phi Mu gives back to communities both on and off campus. They also pioneered National Philanthropy Day, earning their place among the best sororities.
Today, Phi Mu has 137 active collegiate chapters and a membership of 180,000. Notable alumni include marathon runner Gayle Barron, former president of the National Bar Association Evett Simmons, astronaut Mary Ellen Webber, and actress Dana Ivey.
8. Alpha Omicron Pi
On January 2, 1897, four friends came together at Barnard College in New York City to form Alpha Omicron Pi. Since then, the sorority has expanded to 139 active chapters and nearly 170,000 members across the U.S—making it one of the best sororities.
Living by the principles of loyalty, scholarship, character, and dignity, Alpha Omicron Pi is committed to creating strong bonds of friendship while promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion. They’ve introduced the DEI Culture Survey, a tool that provides feedback on organizational structures to ensure inclusivity.
Alpha Omicron Pi has supported the Arthritis Foundation since 1967 and also runs the Sisters for Soldiers initiative, which aids women and servicemen abroad. Some notable members include photographer Margaret Bourke-White, TV personality Parvati Shallow, and curator Mary Dawson.
9. Kappa Kappa Gamma
Kappa Kappa Gamma has a rich and fascinating history. It all began in 1870 when six women at Monmouth College came together with a shared mission: to empower women and recognize their potential to impact the world. These founders, all passionate about literature and learning, made leadership and academics the foundation of sorority life.
For nearly 150 years, Kappa Kappa Gamma has upheld the values of leadership and personal growth, earning its place among the best sororities. Today, Kappa Kappa Gamma is a national organization working closely with Reading Is Fundamental, a foundation that helps underserved children discover the joy of reading.
Some of its most notable members include fashion designer Kate Spade, political activist and actress Ashley Judd, and the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle.
10. Tri Delta
Tri Delta, founded at Boston University in 1888 by Eleanor Dorcas Pond and Sarah Ida Shaw, was created to focus on the inner character of women. Also known as Delta Delta Delta, this sorority has maintained its core values for over 130 years.
Tri Delta embraces women from all walks of life, celebrating the deep bond of sisterhood built on friendship, self-sacrifice, and truth. These values form the foundation of lifelong friendships that extend beyond college.
Tri Delta encourages its members to expand their intellectual and moral lives, providing support and scholarship funds for academic achievement. The sorority is also deeply committed to philanthropy, especially in raising funds for charities and hospitals supporting children with cancer—making it one of the best sororities in the country. Through its long-standing partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tri Delta has raised over $75 million since 1999.
Notable Tri Delta alumni include writer Joan Didion, actress Farrah Fawcett, and Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis.
What Is the Greek System All About?
The first fraternity was founded at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, on December 5, 1776, when a group of students formed a secret society called Phi Beta Kappa, as a place to discuss events, university issues, and studies outside the strict academic environment.
Today, there are more than 1,500 Greek organizations across various universities in the US. Although Greek life is most commonly recognized in American university life, it also exists in universities outside the US.
The Greek system refers to a network of groups, also called fraternities and sororities, including some of the best sororities known for their focus on community, friendship, and personal development among their members.
What Is a Sorority?
A sorority is a social organization, typically for women, that’s part of the Greek system. The best sororities are built on core values like sisterhood, academic achievement, community service, and personal growth.
Across the US, you’ll find many sororities, each with its own unique history, values, and traditions. This diversity allows you to choose a sorority that aligns with your interests and goals.
The purpose of a sorority is to create a close-knit community for women within a college or university, offering a supportive network and often being part of a larger national organization. These national affiliations connect multiple chapters at different campuses, giving you access to a broader network of connections and resources while promoting unity across locations.
One of the most important aspects of sorority life is the sense of sisterhood, which extends beyond your college years. When you join a sorority, you’re becoming a lifelong member, and the bonds you form with your “sisters” will last long after graduation.
Many sororities offer on-campus housing, where members live together, strengthening the sense of community and encouraging social interaction, support, and long-lasting friendships.
Sororities are often overseen by the Panhellenic Council, which governs and organizes sorority activities on campus. The council is key in coordinating recruitment, where potential new members can meet and interact with different sororities. Beyond recruitment, the council helps promote unity and collaboration among sororities on campus.
What Do You Do in a Sorority?
The best sororities offer many different aspects to explore. For example, you might participate in programs like the “Big-Little Program,” where senior students mentor first-year members. You can also join in on formal events, retreats, volunteer opportunities, themed nights, and fitness activities.
But sorority life goes beyond just social events. The best sororities also organize workshops and alumni gatherings to help you build leadership skills, work on professional development, and expand your network. All of these activities are designed to support you as you prepare for your chosen career path after graduation.
How to Join a Sorority
There are two main types of recruitment for sororities: formal and informal. Sororities can admit new members at various times throughout the year, but formal recruitment typically kicks off in the first semester.
Formal recruitment usually lasts about a week and can be a fun and eye-opening experience, especially for first-year students who are new to campus. During this time, you’ll have the chance to attend events hosted by different fraternities and sororities to learn more about each one. Informal recruitment is shorter and less intense, offering a more relaxed approach for those who are interested in joining.
At the end of the recruitment process, organizations extend bids to invite students to become “rushees” and start the initiation process, often called “Going Greek.” Some students may seek a letter of recommendation from an alum to boost their chances of receiving a bid.
Rushing
“Rushees” is a term used for students looking to join a Greek organization. During recruitment, you’ll engage in various social activities to get a feel for sorority life and meet potential new sisters.
Pledging
Once you’ve decided to join a Greek organization, you become a pledge. As a pledge, you’ll participate in exclusive events to learn more about the organization’s goals and traditions.
As a pledge, you might be asked to memorize facts about the organization’s history or recite traditional sayings you’ve learned.
Legacy considerations
Some Greek organizations place special importance on legacies—students whose family members were alumni of the same fraternity or sorority. This tradition is significant because it connects you to a multi-generational history and the organization’s values.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is considered to be the best sorority house?
In 2016, Phi Mu’s University of Alabama chapter shared with the world their stunning three-story, 39,444-square-foot sorority house, which is worth $13 million.
Every semester, 68 women live in the sorority house, featuring a baby grand piano, marble floors, an elevator, and a chandelier that once hung in New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.
2. Do I need to pay to join a sorority?
Joining a sorority involves a financial commitment. Each chapter is self-supporting, meaning its funds come from the dues paid by its members. When you join a sorority, you’ll need to cover various fees and dues to maintain your membership.
For example, the amount you would have to pay as a new member of a sorority is $660 per semester for Kappa Alpha Theta, and $1,512.50 for Alpha Phi.
3. What is considered to be the most historic sorority?
Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA), founded in 1908 at Howard University, holds the distinction of being the first Greek-letter sorority established by African American, college-educated women. It is also the oldest sorority in the Divine Nine—the historically Black sororities and fraternities that make up the National Panhellenic Council, making it one of the historic and popular sororities.
Takeaways
- Some of the best sororities in the US are Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Phi, and Alpha Kappa Alpha.
- The best sororities commit to excellence and have a strong network of accomplished members. They offer a platform for personal growth, leadership development, and impactful contributions to society.
- Excited to start your college journey and discover if Greek life is for you? Don’t fret! AdmissionSight is here to help. With more than a decade of helping students get into their dream school, we can guide you from choosing among the top universities to crafting the perfect college application.
