As a college student, things can get expensive. Between buying cute ‘fits to strut around on campus and buying those concert tickets you’ve been eyeing (and spending your savings to experience the Eras Tour), college costs more than it looks on paper. And, if you’re rushing a sorority at the University of Alabama, the Panhellenic experience can rack up a pretty heft bill. Like, imagine your Eras tickets times 10… and then some.
In the highly anticipated Max documentary Bama Rush, the streaming platform dives into the inner workings of the viral Alabama Rush experience. After taking over the world’s FYPs in 2021, Bama Rush (or #BamaRushTok) was the subject of mass hyperfixation — so much so that Max decided to chronicle four first-time rushers’ (or PNMs’) experience with recruitment. Additionally, the documentary also looks into the history of Greek Life at Alabama, and even goes into the underground conspiracy of “The Machine.”
However, as a Gen Zer trying to survive day by day, nothing shocked me more than the amount of cold, hard, cash it takes to even participate in the rush experience. The Bama Rush documentary estimated the average cost of rushing to be $8,300 a semester — but how accurate can that really be, and where does all of that money go?
Whether you’re looking to justify a recent purchase, or are simply just curious about what it takes (financially) to rush at the University of Alabama, get ready to clutch your pearls for dear life.
First, shell out some cash simply to participate.
Yup, that’s right. In order to just be there and bask in the rush experience, it’s going to cost you $375, according to the official University of Alabama Panhellenic Registration Form. These funds, reported by the Alabama Panhellenic Association, go toward the “cost of Recruitment publications, facility usage, transportation, security, and two recruitment t-shirts.” This deposit is non-refundable so, if you’re having any second thoughts, either suck it up and get your money’s worth, or kiss that ‘lil lump of cash goodbye.
Furthermore, participating in rush doesn’t always result in finding your “forever home.” When bid day comes around, and you don’t get a bid, you’ll probably spend the rest of your time wondering which designer bag you could’ve put that money toward instead.
Then, there’s the ‘fits.
Anyone who’s fallen into the Bama Rush rabbit hole knows the most important part: the outfits. After all, #RushTok grew in popularity because of the PNMs’ infamous GRWM videos. While most of their outfits are from sites like Shein, outfits vary from person to person, so there’s not exactly a set clothing cost. Plus, the Panhellenic board provides you with two shirts to wear during two days of the recruitment process. Judging by the fact that you’ll need seven days of new outfits and accessories, I’ll put shopping at about $400 (that is, if you’re buying mostly cheap, fast-fashion attire).
it pays (or costs you) to belong.
Finally, let’s say that you do run home to your dream sorority. The preliminary ~$775 best be worth it, because all sororities at the Univeristy of Alabama require fees each semester, including a hefty New Member Fee at the beginning of your sorority experience. According to the official University of Alabama website, per-semester membership fees (including new member fees) can be anywhere from $4,170.03 (which is the average) to $4,978.00 (for more expensive houses). The website states that these funds include a “chapter meal plan, local chapter fees, and inter/national fees as well as one-time fees associated with pledging and initiation.”
It doesn’t stop there. If you choose to live in a sorority house, it’s going to come with some pretty expensive rent. To live in-house, fees range from $7,465.17 (average) to $9,445.00 (high). But, if you want to save some shackles, it’s only going to cost you about $3,621.52 (average) to $4,575.00 (high). Both of these price tags go include a “chapter meal plan (if applicable), local chapter fees, and inter/national fees.”
Oh, and remember to double all of that — all fees are per semester.
So, how much does it cost to rush at the University Of Alabama?
I’m no mathematician, but thanks to a handy-dandy calculator, I’ve come up with a ballpark cost per semester to be in a sorority at the University of Alabama:
- Recruitment fees: $375
- Clothing: $400
- Semester One: $4,170.03 (average)
- Semester Two: $3,621.52 (average)
Congrats! Your first semester as an Alabama sorority girl will cost you around $8,565.55. And, if you’re planning on living in a house, you’re looking at an estimated $12,409.20 a semester. You know, pocket change.
Keep in mind, however, that there are scholarships available, and pricing can look different from person to person — some folks thrift outfits and use what they already have, while others have the ability to drop a paycheck on some new ‘fits. In reality, it’s none of my business: Do what you want, it’s your money.
I, on the other hand, would much rather spend that money on my loans or, at the very least, better seats at the boygenius concert. To each their own, my friends.