Research proves relevancy of fraternity experience

As Delta Upsilon works to strengthen how our chapters share the DU story and promote membership, new research that supports the relevancy and importance of fraternities is helping chapters show the return on investment of membership.

Six studies conducted in the past year show three key areas of development supported by fraternity membership:

1. Fraternities foster positive mental health.

While college men are experiencing loneliness and depression at increasing rates, fraternities empower students to create a strong support system. This family—this home—that fraternities provide offers help and guidance when a member needs it most.

Proof points:

  • Fraternity members report higher levels of positive mental health, and less depression or anxiety than unaffiliated members.5
  • Nearly 80% of fraternity men report excellent to good mental health and wellbeing.1
  • When members seek help, they are twice as likely to turn to a brother than anyone else.1
  • Fraternity and sorority members believe that good support systems exist on campus for students going through a tough time.5
  • Fraternity and sorority members are more likely to seek therapy or counseling at some point in their lives. 5
  • Fraternities provide an environment where members can have tough conversations, especially about personal issues like relationships, family and mental health struggles.1
2. Fraternities serve as a success accelerator for students

Students spend 90% of their time outside the classroom. Fraternities capitalize on those hours by preparing men for success in college and in their futures far beyond what their peers experience. A study of thousands of alumni of diverse backgrounds shows this holds true regardless of an individual’s background or socioeconomic status entering college.

Proof points:

  • 83% of members indicate stronger leadership confidence as a result of their fraternity membership.1
  • Fraternity members show significantly higher learning gains than their peers in their first year of college.2
  • Fraternity alumni find jobs more quickly after graduation and are more engaged in the workplace.4
  • Fraternity alumni are more likely to be thriving in every aspect of wellbeing—career, community, financial, physical and social wellbeing.4
  • Fraternity members leverage their networks, with almost half stating that another member helped them find an internship or job and provided them with career advice.4
  • Fraternity members experience stronger retention and persistence to graduation.6
3. Fraternities create lifelong connection to the campus community and their peers.

Research shows, fraternity membership connects men to the university in a way that nonmembers simply don’t experience. Members are more engaged inside and outside of the classroom than their peers—they report feeling more supported by their faculty and nearly half serve in leadership roles across campus. They’re also more connected to their local communities, with research showing they spend significantly more time volunteering than nonaffiliated students. As alumni, fraternity members are more likely to recommend and give back to their alma maters.

Proof points:

  • 78% of fraternity members feel a strong connection to campus1 and are more satisfied with their experience.2
  • Nearly half of fraternity members serve in other campus leadership roles.1
  • Fraternity members have stronger interaction with faculty than their peers, with higher rates feeling like their professors cared about them as a person or made them excited about learning.2
  • Fraternity members spend significantly more time volunteering, mentoring and doing other types of service work, and they feel like they belong in their communities.3
  • Fraternity alumni feel a deeper sense of loyalty with their alma mater because of their positive college experiences, and they are more likely recommend their school to others and donate after graduation.4
  • If they had to do college over again, more than 8 out of 10 fraternity members would re-join their organizations.4

Studies Referenced

  1. 1Fraternities & Values of Single Sex Experience, UT-PERC
  2. The Greek Experience Revisited, Pike
  3. Perspectives on Fraternity and Sorority Life; Positive Youth Development, Everfi
  4. 2021 Alumni Report, Gallup
  5. Mental Health and Wellness for Fraternity and Sorority Members; Biddix, Assalone and Grace
  6. Greek values and attitudes: A comparison with independents; Baier and Whipple