economics

there are only two top tier fraternities: TKE and Phi Psi

Phi Psi has guys who are upper-middle class and then work their way through to pay for dues but their jobs are really just spending cash for them.

TKE has guys who are genuinely middle class and are on scholarships/loans to be in college.

Other fraternities I'd recommend would be Delt because they are pretty close to top tier and are still affordable, or if youre really tight on cash Pike cuts dues for athletes and guys who get 4.0 (but they are pretty much solid middle tier... not nearly as high as Delt)

Not at all. Being in a fraternity costs money for sure but don't think that houses are going to turn you away because your family may not be as well off as them. In my fraternity, one of the bigger ones, there are guys from all kinds of socioeconomic backgrounds.

Your income won't prevent you from getting in any house because no one looks at that when you rush. But when it comes to paying dues, you'll have to pay quite a bit for Phi Psi or TKE. Delt or Phi Delt would be a cheaper option just a step below. And if you're looking for cheap but still getting a decent fraternity, SAE, Pike, or ATO would be your best bets. They're not top tier, but they'll at least give you the complete fraternity experience.

is it possible to join, yes. so long as you dont show up in american eagle tshirt and cargos to a phi psi rush event, youll be okay still if the only difference is your parents incomes.

also no too though. at the end of the day a fraternity's dues are about half of what you can expect to pay. youll have social dues to pay on top of those. youll be expected to attend philanthropy events where the tickets cost money, buy girls drinks at the bar, things for your little, and so on.

Honestly, if money is an issue at all, dont try for "top tier" its a status that doesn't matter at all once you walk across the stage on graduation. Go look at other options that allow you to do the things in the last paragraph.

You can't disregard the downgrade in social life when going from top to middle tier. The social events middle tier fraternities throw really don't compare to tkes or phi psis. No, social life isn't the reason you join a fraternity but it definitely plays one of the biggest roles especially in how you will be spending your time. Do you want to hangout with average sororities, have medium sized parties, and run out of alcohol or attend awesome ragers with the big six? You have 4 years in college, a few hundred dollars extra a semester is nothing when you pay 2 grand for a class at Ohio state. But if a middle tier chapter would fit in with your ideal experience then by all means go for it. I have plenty of friends in middle or lower tier fraternities and sororities that prefer that experience. It's all about what you're seeking and I suggest wherever you find that you join regardless of the money.

Honestly, how much would it be a smester to join phi psi, and how much is it a semester to join tke? I would rather just know now instead of going through rush and pledging just to find out im not willing to pay that much. By no means am i rich, and im not trying to just throw away money. In case it matters, I go to Ohio State, so any help would be greatly appreciated!

That is the same question I have. If someone can please help that would be great!

I'm in kappa sig and my family is really poor. They let me pay food stamps for dues. But we're the best fr@ on campus

this is from 2013....

$5,000 or $6,000 a semester isn't bad if you're living in the house...