Joining a fraternity is a significant part of college life for many students, offering camaraderie, networking opportunities, and lifelong friendships. The largest fraternities, by membership, often boast a rich history and strong presence on campuses nationwide. Discover which fraternities top the list in terms of size and see if your fraternity, or the one you aspire to join, is among the biggest in the country.
What’s the largest fraternity in the country? Find out here…
What is the Largest Fraternity?
There are two ways most people rank frats when discussing the largest fraternities. First, you can rank them by number of members. Currently, the largest fraternity by number of members is Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
You can also rank frats by the number of active chapters across college campuses. Tau Kappa Epsilon holds this distinction with 290 chapters in colleges and universities.
All of the following fraternities are current members of the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC.) Some large fraternities left the NIC in 2002, but Kappa Sigma was the only departing frat large enough to crack the top 10. They currently have over 290,000 members.
10 Largest Fraternities in the U.S. by Members
Fraternities play a pivotal role in shaping the social and academic experiences of their members. The 10 largest fraternities by members are renowned for their extensive networks and influential presence on college campuses. Check out this list to see if your fraternity or the one you’re interested in is among the biggest.
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon: 304,000 members
- Sigma Chi: 300,000 members
- Sigma Phi Epsilon: 289,000 members
- Lambda Chi Alpha: 280,000 members
- Tau Kappa Epsilon: 265,000 members
- Pi Kappa Alpha: 240,000 members
- Sigma Nu: 225,000 members
- Beta Theta Pi: 183,769 members
- Alpha Tau Omega: 181,000 members
- Alpha Phi Alpha: 175,000 members
10 Largest Fraternities by Active Chapters
Fraternities with the most active chapters have a widespread influence and a significant presence across numerous campuses. These organizations offer extensive networks and opportunities for brotherhood and leadership. Explore the list to find out which fraternities lead in terms of active chapters and see if your fraternity or the one you’re considering is among the top.
- Tau Kappa Epsilon: 290 chapters
- Sigma Chi: 246 chapters
- (tie) Sigma Alpha Epsilon: 246 chapters
- Sigma Phi Epsilon: 234 chapters
- Pi Kappa Alpha: 220 chapters
- Lambda Chi Alpha: 218 chapters
- Sigma Nu: 184 chapters
- Alpha Epsilon Pi: 155 chapters
- Pi Kappa Phi: 142 chapters
- Delta Chi: 137 chapters
What is the Most Popular Fraternity?
Determining the most popular fraternity can depend on how you measure popularity. Based on the provided data, we can look at two key factors: total membership and the number of active chapters.
Most Popular Fraternity By Total Members:
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) stands out as the fraternity with the highest number of members, boasting an impressive 304,000 members. This makes SAE the largest fraternity by membership, indicating its widespread appeal and extensive alumni network.
Most Popular Fraternity By Active Chapters:
Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) leads in terms of active chapters, with 290 chapters across various campuses. This extensive network suggests a strong and widespread presence, making it a significant force in the fraternity landscape.
Considering both total membership and the number of active chapters, Sigma Alpha Epsilon could be considered the most popular fraternity based on member count, while Tau Kappa Epsilon could be seen as the most popular based on its expansive chapter network. Ultimately, both fraternities have their own claims to popularity, depending on the criteria you prioritize.
Interesting facts about the country’s largest fraternities
What’s the Oldest Fraternity in the United States?
The distinction of being the oldest fraternity in the United States goes to Phi Beta Kappa, which was founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Established during the American Revolutionary War, Phi Beta Kappa holds a unique place in the history of Greek life.
Why Join a Fraternity: Key Benefits
Joining a fraternity offers a wealth of benefits that extend far beyond the college years. These organizations provide a unique blend of social, academic, and professional advantages that can significantly enrich a member’s life.
Here are some key benefits of joining a fraternity: