Purdue Fraternity, Sorority & Cooperative Life

Our Story

Purdue University hosts one of the nation's largest Fraternity/Sorority Communities, with approximately 5,000 students participating in one of the 48 men's fraternities or 32 women's sororities. About 18% of Purdue's undergraduates are members of a Greek-letter organization. Since the founding of the first Purdue fraternity in 1875, Purdue Greeks have maintained a steady and influential presence on campus. Several of Purdue's most distinguished graduates are members of fraternities and sororities, including astronauts Neil Armstrong (Phi Delta Theta), Gene Cernan (Phi Gamma Delta), Roger Chaffee (Phi Kappa Sigma), Greg Harbaugh (Sigma Chi), David Wolf (Alpha Tau Omega), and Mary Ellen Weber (Phi Mu). The first (Armstrong) and last (Cernan) astronauts on the moon are Purdue graduates - and fraternity men.

Fraternity and Sorority Life is one of many campus involvement opportunities at Purdue that help students make a large university seem smaller. Most fraternity and sorority organizations offer housing and meal service for their members. These organizations provide friendship, intramural athletic competition, social activities, community service, and academic support for their members. Students develop a strong sense of belonging to their organization and loyalty to Purdue University through the Fraternity and Sorority community. Membership is lifelong, and alumni activities are numerous at the national and local level.