Fraternity and Sorority Life sees growth in population and chapters
Virginia Tech’s fraternity and sorority community has grown alongside the university population, increasing the number of students whose sense of community and academic success are improved by membership.
Faculty, staff, and advisor volunteers assist with students accepting their bids to join an Interfraternity Council chapter. Photo by Max Catalano for Virginia Tech.
Virginia Tech’s fraternity and sorority population has increased by 28 percent since 2014. Its current membership is 5,733, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the undergraduate student body.
As Chandler Crean, assistant director for Fraternity and Sorority Life, explained, the growth has exciting implications for the entire Virginia Tech community.
“Our community's growth shows the positive opportunities for students to grow personally and professionally, give back to the community, and connect with alumni,” said Crean.
He said he’s especially gratified that the growth has happened in the context of safer and healthier social spaces. Membership in a fraternity or sorority can provide students with a valuable sense of community. The built-in support network that comes along with being in a sorority or fraternity can help boost a student’s academic confidence, Crean said.
Since fall 2007, the average GPA of a student involved in Fraternity and Sorority Life has been higher than the undergraduate average — that's 35 consecutive semesters of academic success.
Members of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. with the Fall 2024 line of new members of the Eta Lambda chapter. Photo courtesy of Curtis Williams.
Alpha Delta Pi's 2025 new member class and chapter leaders at Bid Day in the Commonwealth Ballroom. Photo by Max Catalano for Virginia Tech.
Recent growth in the community’s total population is complemented by growth in the number of chapters on campus, which has increased from 47 in 2020 to 61 in 2025. Chapters are overseen by four Fraternity and Sorority Life councils.
In addition to the university’s steady growth over the past decade, Crean attributes increased membership in fraternities and sororities to students seeking connection and purpose in a post-pandemic social landscape.
“Fraternity and Sorority Life allows for students to find community within Greek-lettered organizations that were founded and created by a variety of backgrounds and perspectives,” said Crean.
Each chapter has a distinctive set of values and supports different philanthropic or service organizations. A new chapter is formed when students see an opportunity for their values and service ambitions to be reflected in the community.
“Our office has seen an increase in culture and academic-based organizations in our community, reaching a different population of students,” said Crean.
Crean is excited about the community’s growth and the impact it will have on students’ lives in and out of college.
“It’s an experience that is not just for four years but an opportunity for students to stay engaged with Virginia Tech, their national organization, and members all across the country,” he said.
To learn more about Fraternity and Sorority Life, visit its website.