Social, traditional, or collegiate sororities, in the North American fraternal system, are those that do not promote a particular profession, as professional fraternities do, or discipline, such as service fraternities and sororities. Instead, their primary purposes are often stated as the development of character, literary or leadership ability, or to serve a more simple social purpose. A fraternity is usually understood to mean a social organization composed only of men, and a sorority is composed of women. However, many women's organizations and co-ed organizations also refer to themselves as women's fraternities.
This list of North American collegiate sororities and women's fraternities is not exhaustive. It includes only social collegiate organizations; other types of social fraternal organizations can be found under the list of general fraternities. Cultural interest sororities can be found in cultural interest fraternities and sororities. Men's and co-educational fraternities are listed in Lists of social fraternities.
Some organizations in this list have a specific major listed as a traditional emphasis. These organizations are social organizations that cater to students in those majors. Other listed fraternities have a traditional emphasis on a specific religion or ethnic background but are primarily social in function.
Active groups are in bold. Inactive sororities are indicated in italics.
Organization | Symbol | Charter date and range | Scope | Affiliation [lower-alpha 1] | Type | Crest motto [lower-alpha 2] | Status | Reference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alpha Beta Psi | ΑΒΨ | 1978 | Local | Independent | Traditional | Active | ||
Alpha Chi Omega | ΑΧΩ | 1885 | International | NPC | Traditional | Συσπουδάσωμεν τά ανώτατα (Together Let Us Seek the Heights) | Active | [lower-alpha 3] |
Alpha Chi Theta | ΑΧΘ | 2013 | Local | University of Victoria | Traditional | Acitve | [1] | |
Alpha Delta Alpha | ΑΔΑ | 1980 | Local | Michigan Technological University | Traditional | Active | [2] | |
Alpha Delta Chi | ΑΔΧ | 1925 | National | Independent | Christian | Katoptriozomai [lower-alpha 4] (Reflected in mirror) | Active | |
Alpha Delta Pi | ΑΔΠ | 1851 | International | NPC | Traditional | Ζῶμεν Ἀλλήλοις (We live for each other) | Active | [lower-alpha 5] |
Alpha Delta Theta | ΑΔΘ | 1919–1939 | National | NPC | Traditional | Inactive | [lower-alpha 6] | |
Alpha Epsilon Phi | ΑΕΦ | 1909 | National | NPC | Traditional | ΑΛΦΑ ΕΨΙΛΟΝ ΦΙ | Active | [lower-alpha 7] |
Alpha Gamma Delta | ΑΓΔ | 1904 | International | NPC | Traditional | ΑΛΦΑ ΓΑΜΜΑ ΔΕΛΤΑ | Active | |
Alpha Gamma Phi | ΑΓΦ | 1957 | Local | Hope College | Traditional | Active | [3] | |
Alpha Kappa Alpha | ΑΚΑ | 1908 | International | NPHC | African-American | ΟΦΕΛΥΟΜΕΝ ΥΠΗΡΕΤΙΔΕΣ | Active | |
alpha Kappa Delta Phi | αΚΔΦ | 1990 | International | NAPA | Asian | Σορορνμ σοδαλιτασ αετερνα (Timeless friendship through sisterhood) | Active | |
Alpha Kappa Psi | ΑΚΨ | 1900–1920 | National | Traditional | Inactive | [lower-alpha 8] | ||
Alpha Omicron Pi | ΑΟΠ | 1897 | International | NPC | Traditional | Active | ||
Alpha Phi | ΑΦ | 1872 | International | NPC | Traditional | ζευξις χειρι εν χειρι (Union hand in hand) | Active | |
Alpha Phi Gamma | ΑΦΓ | 1994 | National | NAPA | Asian | Σιγμα Αλπηα Αλπηα[sic] | Active | |
Alpha Pi Omega | ΑΠΩ | 1994 | National | Independent | Native American | Active | ||
Alpha Sigma Alpha | ΑΣΑ | 1901 | National | NPC | Traditional | ΑΓΑΣΘΕ ΣΠΕΥΔΕΤΕ ΑΙΡΕΣΘΕ (Aspire, seek, attain) | Active | [lower-alpha 9] |
Alpha Sigma Chi | ΑΣΧ | 1923 | Local | SUNY Oswego | Traditional | Active | [4] [lower-alpha 10] | |
Alpha Sigma Delta | ΑΣΔ | 1918–1932 | National | Independent | Traditional | Inactive | [lower-alpha 11] | |
Alpha Sigma Rho | ΑΣΡ | 1998 | National | NAPA | Asian American | Active | ||
Alpha Sigma Tau | ΑΣΤ | 1899 | National | NPC | Traditional | Αλφα Σιγμα Ταυ [sic] | Active | [lower-alpha 12] |
Alpha Xi Delta | ΑΞΔ | 1893 | National | NPC | Traditional | Αλφα Ξι Δελτα [sic] | Active | |
Beta Phi Alpha | ΒΦΑ | 1919–1941 | National | NPC (former) | Traditional | Inactive | [lower-alpha 13] | |
Beta Sigma Omicron | ΒΣΟ | 1888–1964 | National | NPC (former) | Traditional | Inactive | [lower-alpha 14] | |
Beta Upsilon Delta | ΒΥΔ | 1978 | Local | St. Joseph's University | Traditional | Active | [5] | |
Ceres | 1984 | National | Independent | Social and agricultural | Active | |||
Chi Alpha Nu | ΧΑΝ | 1927 | Local | Muskingum University | Traditional | Active | [6] [7] | |
Chi Beta Epsilon | ΧΒΕ | 1952 | Local | Trinity University | Traditional | Active | [8] | |
Chi Delta Theta | ΧΔΘ | 1989 | National | Independent | Asian, multicultural | Active | ||
Chi Iota Pi | ΧΙΠ | 2004 | National | Independent | Multicultural | Active | ||
Chi Omega | ΧΩ | 1895 | National | NPC | Traditional | Active | ||
Chi Upsilon Sigma | ΧΥΣ | 1980 | National | NALFO | Latina | Active | ||
Clovia | 1931 | National | Independent | 4-H origin | Active | |||
Delta Delta Delta | ΔΔΔ | 1888 | International | NPC | Traditional | Ἀσφαλῶς Ἀγαπῶμεν Ἀλλήλας (Let us steadfastly love one another) | Active | |
Delta Gamma | ΔΓ | 1873 | International | NPC | Traditional | Active | ||
Delta Phi Epsilon | ΔΦΕ | 1917 | International | NPC | Traditional | Esse Quam Videri (To be rather than to seem to be) | Active | |
Delta Phi Lambda | ΔΦΛ | 1998 | National | NAPA | Asian | Active | ||
Delta Phi Omega | ΔΦΩ | 1998 | National | NAPA | South Asian | Active | ||
Delta Sigma Epsilon | ΔΣΕ | 1914–1956 | International | NPC | Traditional | Inactive | [lower-alpha 15] | |
Delta Sigma Theta | ΔΣΘ | 1913 | International | NPHC | African-American | ΔΕΛΤΑ ΣΙΓΜΑ ΘΕΤΑ[sic] | Active | |
Delta Theta Psi | ΔΘΨ | March 1992 | Local | College of Wooster | Local | Active | [9] | |
Delta Xi Nu | ΔΞΝ | 1997 | National | NMGC | Multicultural | Active | ||
Delta Xi Phi | ΔΞΦ | 1994 | National | NMGC | Multicultural | ΔΕΛΤΑ ΞΙ ΦΙ | Active | |
Delta Zeta | ΔΖ | 1902 | National | NPC | Traditional | Δια Καρτερου Ζωπυρον (Via strong fire) | Active | |
Eta Gamma Delta | ΗΓΔ | 1928 | National | CIPFI | Puerto Rican | Active | ||
Eta Psi Kappa | ΗΨΚ | 2001 | Local | University of Olivet | Traditional | Active | [10] | |
Eta Upsilon Gamma | ΗΥΓ | 1901 | National | JPHC | Traditional | Be Strong in the Truth | Inactive | |
Gamma Alpha Omega | ΓΑΩ | 1993 | National | NALFO | Latina | Nos Una Crescemus (United We Will Grow) | Active | |
Gamma Eta | ΓΗ | 1995 | National | NMGC | Traditional | Active | ||
Gamma Phi Beta | ΓΦΒ | 1874 | International | NPC | Traditional | Active | ||
Gamma Rho Lambda | ΓΡΛ | 2003 | National | Independent | LGBTQ | Active | ||
Iota Alpha Pi | ΙΑΠ | 1903–1971 | International | NPC | Traditional | Inactive | [lower-alpha 16] | |
Kappa Alpha Theta | ΚΑΘ | 1870 | International | NPC | Traditional | ΚΑΠΠΑ ΑΛΦΑ ΘΗΤΑ | Active | |
Kappa Beta Gamma | ΚΒΓ | 1917 | International | Independent | Traditional | Active | ||
Kappa Delta | ΚΔ | 1897 | National | NPC | Traditional | Τα Καλά Διώκομεν (Seeking the good) | Active | |
Kappa Delta Chi | ΚΔΧ | 1987 | National | NALFO | Latina | Active | ||
Kappa Kappa Gamma | ΚΚΓ | 1870 | International | NPC | Traditional | Active | ||
Kappa Lambda Iota | ΚΛΙ | 1869 | Local | McKendree University | Traditional | Active | [11] [lower-alpha 17] | |
Kappa Phi Delta | ΚΦΔ | 1904 | Local | Illinois Institute of Technology | Traditional | Active | [12] | |
Kappa Phi Lambda | ΚΦΛ | 1995 | National | NAPA | Asian | Fraternte Servitium Varietas (Sisterhood, Service, Diversity) | Active | |
Lambda Omega | ΛΩ | 1915–1933 | National | NPC | Traditional | Inactive | [lower-alpha 18] | |
Lambda Pi Chi | ΛΠΧ | 1988 | National | NALFO | Latina | Active | ||
Lambda Pi Upsilon | ΛΠΥ | 1992 | National | NALFO | Latina | Active | ||
Lambda Psi Delta | ΛΨΔ | 1997 | National | NMGC | Multicultural | |||
Lambda Sigma Gamma | ΛΣΓ | 1986 | Regional | NMGC | Multicultural | Active | ||
Lambda Tau Omega | ΛΤΩ | 1988 | National | NMGC | Multicultural | Active | ||
Lambda Theta Alpha | ΛΘΑ | 1975 | National | NALFO | Latina | Active | ||
Lambda Theta Nu | ΛΘΝ | 1986 | National | NALFO | Latina | Active | ||
Mu Alpha Phi | ΜΑΦ | 1927 | Regional | CIPFI | Puerto Rican | Active | ||
Mu Sigma Upsilon | ΜΣΥ | 1981 | National | NMGC | Multicultural | Mujeres Siempre Unidas (Women Always United) | Active | |
Omega Phi Beta | ΩΦΒ | 1989 | National | NALFO | Multicultural | Active | ||
Omega Phi Chi | ΩΦΧ | 1988 | National | NMGC | Multicultural | Active | ||
Phi Alpha Mu | ΦΑΜ | 1926 | Local | McDaniel College | Traditional | Active | [13] [14] | |
Phi Beta Chi | ΦΒΧ | 1978 | National | Independent | Lutheran | Amor Via Vitae in Christo (Love through Life in Christ) | Active | |
Phi Kappa Pi (aka Alpha Clionian ) | ΦΚΠ | 1872 | Local | SUNY Geneseo | Traditional | Active | [15] [16] [lower-alpha 19] | |
Phi Mu | ΦΜ | 1852 | National | NPC | Traditional | Les Soeurs Fideles (The Faithful Sisters) | Active | |
Phi Sigma Rho | ΦΣΡ | 1984 | National | Independent | Engineering | Active | ||
Phi Sigma Sigma | ΦΣΣ | 1913 | National | NPC | Traditional | Διωκετε Υψηλα (Aim high) | Active | |
Pi Alpha Gamma | ΠΑΓ | 2011 | Local | St. Thomas University and University of New Brunswick | Traditional | Active | [17] | |
Pi Beta Phi | ΠΒΦ | 1867 | International | NPC | Traditional | Active | ||
Pi Delta Kappa | ΠΔΚ | 1907–1913 | Regional | Independent | Traditional | Inactive | [lower-alpha 20] | |
Pi Kappa Sigma | ΠΚΣ | 1894–1959 | International | NPC | Traditional | Inactive | [lower-alpha 21] | |
Pi Lambda Sigma | ΠΛΣ | 1921–1952 | National | Independent | Traditional | Inactive | [lower-alpha 22] [lower-alpha 23] | |
Phi Omega Pi | ΦΩΠ | 1922–1946 | National | NPC | Traditional | Inactive | [lower-alpha 24] | |
Pi Sigma Gamma | ΠΣΓ | 1919–1932 | National | NPC | Traditional | Inactive | [lower-alpha 25] | |
Psi Lambda Xi | ΨΛΞ | 2007 | Local | DePauw University | Traditional | Active | [18] | |
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi | ΣΑΕΠ | 1998 | National | Independent | Jewish | Active | ||
Sigma Alpha Omega | ΣΑΩ | 1998 | National | Independent | Christian | Active | ||
Sigma Beta | ΣΒ | January 18, 1907 | Local | University of Olivet | Traditional | Active | [19] | |
Sigma Delta Chi | ΣΔΧ | April 1902–November 11, 1915 | Regional | Independent | Traditional | Inactive | [lower-alpha 26] | |
Sigma Delta Tau | ΣΔΤ | 1917 | International | NPC | Jewish | Patriae Multae Spes Una (One Hope of Many People) | Active | [lower-alpha 27] |
Sigma Gamma Rho | ΣΓΡ | 1922 | International | NPHC | African-American | Active | ||
Sigma Iota Alpha | ΣΙΑ | 1990 | National | NALFO | Latina | Semper Unum et Inseparabilis (Always One and Inseparable) | Active | |
Sigma Kappa | ΣΚ | 1874 | National | NPC | Traditional | Active | ||
Sigma Lambda Alpha | ΣΛΑ | 1992 | National | Independent | Latina | Active | ||
Sigma Lambda Gamma | ΣΛΓ | 1990 | National | Independent | Latina | Active | ||
Sigma Lambda Upsilon | ΣΛΥ | 1987 | National | NALFO | Latina | Active | ||
Sigma Omicron Epsilon | ΣΟΕ | 1997 | National | Independent | Native American | Active | ||
Sigma Omicron Pi | ΣΟΠ | 1930 | National | NAPA | Asian American | Active | ||
Sigma Phi Beta | ΣΦΒ | 1920–1933 | National | NPC | Traditional | Inactive | [lower-alpha 28] | |
Sigma Phi Lambda | ΣΦΛ | 1988 | National | Independent | Christian | Active | ||
Sigma Phi Omega | ΣΦΩ | 1949 | National | Independent | Asian | Active | ||
Sigma Pi Alpha | ΣΠΑ | 1996 | National | Independent | Chicana/Latina | Active | ||
Sigma Psi | ΣΨ | 1896 | Local | Case Western Reserve University | Traditional | Active | ||
Sigma Psi Zeta | ΣΨΖ | 1994 | National | NAPA | Asian American | Active | ||
Sigma Sigma Sigma | ΣΣΣ | 1898 | International | NPC | Traditional | Πιστός εϊς θάνατον (Faithful unto death) | Active | [lower-alpha 29] |
Tau Mu Tau | ΤΜΤ | 1904 | Local | Gustavus Adolphus College | Traditional | Active | ||
Theta Nu Xi | ΘΝΞ | 1997 | National | NMGC | Multicultural | Active | ||
Theta Phi Alpha | ΘΦΑ | 1912 | National | NPC | Traditional | Θήτα φι Αλφα | Active | [lower-alpha 30] |
Theta Sigma Upsilon | ΘΣΥ | 1921–1959 | National | NPC, PFA | Traditional | Inactive | [lower-alpha 31] | |
Theta Upsilon | ΘΥ | 1921–1962 | National | NPC | Traditional | Inactive | [lower-alpha 32] | |
Zeta Chi Epsilon | ΖΧΕ | 2011 | Local | Ferrum College | Traditional | Active | [20] [21] | |
Zeta Chi Phi | ΖΧΦ | 2003 | National | Independent | Multicultural | Active | ||
Zeta Phi Beta | ΖΦΒ | 1920 | International | NPHC | African-American | παντα ἐργασία νίκα (Labor always wins) | Active | |
Zeta Sigma Chi | ΖΣΧ | 1991 | National | Independent | Multicultural | Keeping the dream alive | Active | |
Zeta Tau Alpha | ΖΤΑ | 1898 | International | NPC | Traditional | Ζητα Ταυ Αλφα | Active |
Coeducational fraternities permit both male and female members.
While the traditional social fraternity is a well-established mainstay across the United States at institutions of higher learning, alternatives – in the form of social fraternities that require doctrinal and behavioral conformity to the Christian faith – developed in the early 20th century. They continue to grow in size and popularity.
Cultural interest fraternities and sororities, in the North American student fraternity and sorority system, refer to general, social organizations oriented to students having a special interest in a culture or cultural identity.
While most of the traditional women's fraternities or sororities were founded decades before the start of the 20th century, the first ever specifically Christian-themed Greek Letter Organization formed was the Kappa Phi Club, founded in Kansas in 1916. Kappa Phi was a women's sisterhood that developed out of a bible study and remains one of the largest nationally present Christian women's collegiate clubs today. Later organizations added more defined social programming along with a Christian emphasis, bridging the gap between non-secular traditional sororities and church-sponsored bible study groups, campus ministries and sect-based clubs and study groups.
The expansion of Greek letter organizations into Canada was an important stage of the North American fraternity movement, beginning in 1879 with the establishment of a chapter of Zeta Psi at the University of Toronto. In 1883, the same fraternity established a chapter at McGill University. Other early foundations were Kappa Alpha Society at Toronto in 1892 and at McGill in 1899, and Alpha Delta Phi at Toronto in 1893 and at McGill in 1897. The first sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, was established in Toronto in 1887. In 1902, the first international chapter of Phi Delta Theta was established at McGill University as the Quebec Alpha.
Washington & Jefferson College is host to 8 Greek organizations and a significant percentage of the undergraduate student body is active in Greek life. With 43% of women and 40% of men of the student body participating in "greek life," fraternities and sororities play a significant role in student life at W&J. The Princeton Review named Washington & Jefferson College 12th on their 2010 list of "Major Frat and Sorority Scene" in the United States. As of 2024, the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life recognized 4 fraternities, Alpha Tau Omega, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Tau Delta, and Phi Kappa Psi, and 4 sororities, Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and Pi Beta Phi. The fraternities are governed by a local Interfraternal Council and the sororities are governed by a local Panhellenic Council, while the Greek Judiciary manages broad policy violations at the chapter-level. All Greek organizations occupy College-owned houses on Chestnut Street on campus. All members of fraternities and sororities must pay the $100 "Greek Membership Fee," a levy designed to fund leadership seminars and other educational events for Greeks.
The National APIDA Panhellenic Association (NAPA) is an umbrella council for twenty Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American fraternities and sororities in universities in the United States.