There are many factors to consider as you begin your search for the best college after high school. Aside from high-ranking programs, you might look for colleges that have a thriving Greek life college experience so you can be in a community with like-minded people.
If working toward common goals while developing lifelong friendships sounds like the perfect college experience for you, then keep reading to find out about the top schools for Greek life this year!
Here are the top 11 schools with notable and dynamic Greek life for you to consider:
1. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama was founded in 1831 as the state's flagship university in Tuscaloosa. It promotes educational, cultural, and social experiences for its students. Since 2011, the campus has held the title of having the largest and most vibrant Greek life communities in the country. It's home to at least 39 fraternities and 24 sororities, so you'll have lots of groups to choose from. With around 12,000 students, the UA Greek community makes up 36% of the undergraduate student body.
2. Florida State University
Founded in 1851 in Tallahassee, Florida State University is a highly rated public school with more than 40,000 enrolled college students. This Florida school has more than 750 student organizations. With more than 40 chapters of fraternities and sororities, you'll surely find a group to belong to and live your best Greek life.
3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a public institution founded in 1867. It's located in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign, only a few hours away from Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis.
It's a great school with a 60% acceptance rate. Campus life won't be boring, as there are a variety of student organizations you can join. With 49 fraternities and 38 sororities, it has an impressively large Greek system.
4. University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi, more commonly known in the South as Ole Miss, is a public school founded in 1848 in the town of Oxford. The campus is one of the most beautiful in the country, and it's home to dynamic Greek and athletic cultures. It has 33 Greek organizations, in which almost 8,700 undergrads are involved.
5. Washington and Lee University
Washington and Lee University is a private school in historic Lexington, Virginia. Founded in 1749, it's one of the oldest higher education institutions in the U.S. With a core liberal arts college, a school of business, and a highly ranked law school, the university's programs are competitive with a steep admission rate of 19%.
Even though it's a fairly small campus, it has many student organizations and a flourishing athletics department. Both men's and women's tennis teams have won national championships. Plus, the school has several fraternity and sorority chapters of historically Black Greek organizations.
6. Syracuse University
Founded in 1870, Syracuse University is a private institution in the heart of New York state. If you plan to attend Syracuse, be ready to embrace the color orange because you'll be seeing it a lot throughout campus!
The sports teams are cheered on by the school's mascot, Otto the Orange, and even the student paper is called The Daily Orange. There are also more than 300 student organizations to occupy you on campus.
7. Howard University
Howard University is a private school founded in 1867. It's a historically Black college located in Washington, D.C., the nation's center of government and a hub for technology and the arts. Some of the university's notable alumni include Vice President Kamala Harris, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison.
Howard students can choose from its many student organizations and academic clubs. The school is also known for its historic fraternities and sororities. In fact, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded over 100 years ago at Howard University.
8. University of Georgia
The University of Georgia (UGA) made history as the first public, state-supported college in 1785. That's why the school is called the birthplace of public higher education in America. Nowadays, it's recognized for its vibrant student community, especially because it's located in the college town of Athens - one of the best college towns in the country.
The campus is steeped in tradition and includes more than 60 Greek chapters, which bring together around 30% of the students. The school also focuses on community service, characterized by student-run philanthropies such as UGA Miracle.
9. University of Missouri
The University of Missouri, colloquially known as Mizzou, is a public institution founded in 1839. It's located in the city of Columbia, where you'll enjoy a small-town sense of belonging, even as it boasts city-like activities and resources.
Fraternities and sororities have been a part of student and campus life at the University of Missouri for over 150 years. Mizzou's Greek system is made up of 58 groups.
10. The Pennsylvania State University
Penn State University has been a leader in higher education in the country for over 150 years. It's a sprawling school that is known for its inclusivity.
Aside from welcoming 73,000+ students across all campus locations, PSU also hosts international students and has a separate World Campus that enrolls students across the globe.
Penn State is also home to thriving Greek communities with over 70 sororities and fraternities. The school is big on community service as it's home to THON - a dance marathon that's also the largest student-run fundraiser in the world.
11. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the nation's leading research schools. It's renowned for its expertise in specialized care and research areas such as cancer, stem cell and regenerative medicine, orthopedics, and sports medicine. The school is also the largest private-sector employer in Los Angeles.
Fraternities and sororities have been an important part of USC since its founding in 1880. The school is home to 40 Greek organizations with plenty of programs, events, and activities for you to explore.
Greek life FAQ
Want to learn more? We'll answer the most common questions about Greek life in college below.
What is the largest fraternity in the U.S.?
The largest American fraternity is Sigma Alpha Epsilon, with over 12,000 undergraduate members. It's also one of the country's oldest fraternities, founded in 1856 at the University of Alabama. They hold the honor of being the first frat to get rid of pledging and ban hard alcohol from social events and activities.
What is the largest sorority in the U.S.?
Chi Omega is the largest sorority in the National Panhellenic Conference, with more than 402,000 initiated members. The sisterhood traces its beginnings to DePauw University in 1895 - a time when women rarely attended college, making this an impressive point on its own!
How do you choose a fraternity or sorority?
There are a few factors you should consider before joining. Here are some tips:
- Consider your goals. Think about what you want to get out of Greek life. Do you just want to build connections and make friends to expand your social life, or are you looking for a community with a specific cause?
- Find your tribe. Research the chapters you're interested in to make sure their reputation aligns with your values, interests, and goals. Then, based on what you learn, ask yourself if the group will motivate, inspire, or challenge you.
- Think about your budget. When you're a member of a fraternity or sorority, you have financial obligations. So, be sure to find out what dues, housing costs, and event fees you'll be responsible for.
- Evaluate your time. Understand the time commitments to make sure you won't be juggling too many responsibilities. Attend information sessions, talk to current members, and ask questions about their on-campus and off-campus activities, meetings, events, and philanthropy work.
What are the benefits of joining a fraternity or sorority?
Fraternities and sororities offer many benefits to members. For instance, Greek life expands students' social scenes, helps them build networks and connections, and offers opportunities to develop leadership skills. Also, many Greek organizations operate nonprofits where students can give back to their community by participating in volunteer work and fundraising events.
Use College Rover to find the perfect school for you
Aside from camaraderie and a sense of belonging, Greek communities offer academic and professional advantages to members. Just make sure you find a group that fits your passions, interests, and personality.
Want to find the best college for your Greek life without hours of research? Simply enter your preferences into College Rover and be matched with the schools that offer the student life you're looking for. All you have to do is decide.
