dues

dont try to rush if you can't afford it. Keep in mind you'll have to pay other costs on top of dues like paying for themed clothes for events/ socials, T shirts, philanthropy donations, nails, tanning, hair care, big/little baskets, fees if you don't show up to chapter, etc

MOST (not all) sorority dues cover meals (usually a lunch a dinner during weekdays, some serve breakfast but not many), social events (renting out venues and transportation to and from), some sort of sisterhood/ new member retreat, and other chapter necessities. A few chapters' dues cover t-shirts, but others you have to pay separately for on top of those dues. it varies from chapter to chapter. my best advice to you is to ask lots of questions during the financial round of recruitment, the chapter will most likely break down the dues and explain what they go toward!

plan on out of house cost of at least $2000+ per semester

Dues will be more first semester because of new member fees and sorority badge. As someone slse said don't rush if you can't afford it. It will only get you down. You will not be able to remain a member if you don't pay your dues. I have seen posts saying that sororities have scholarships, so go ahead and join, but even if your sorority does, brand new members usually are not be eligible, and the scholarships are not necessarily guaranteed for the next year.

I know personally my chapter has a lot of scholarship opportunities so maybe others do as well? So if you rush maybe you can ask a sister if you are interested in that house! If you still want a sisterhood but can't afford it check out: lady spirit hunters, garnet and gold guides, delta nu zeta !