Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society

Our goal is to encourage and reward academic excellence among first-year college students. The oldest and largest freshman honor society, Phi Eta Sigma was founded at the University of Illinois in 1923. There are now more than 300 chapters throughout the United States and more than 550,000 members.

Overview

Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society for college freshmen. Our goal is to encourage and reward academic excellence among first-year college students. The oldest and largest freshman honor society, Phi Eta Sigma was founded at the University of Illinois in 1923. There are now more than 300 chapters throughout the United States and more than 550,000 members.

To qualify for membership in Phi Eta Sigma, you must receive a 3.5 GPA during the fall or spring semester of your first year in college (transfer and graduate students are not eligible). You must have registered for, and completed 12 or more credits during the semester in which you earned the 3.5 GPA. Lastly, you must also be enrolled in an accredited bachelor’s degree program.

After the application process, students will be notified of the future date and time of initiation. Once initiated the student becomes a lifetime member of Phi Eta Sigma. Members may remain active in the chapter throughout college.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to join Phi Eta Sigma?
All first-year students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 at the close of their first semester or the academic year.

Must I maintain my average?
No, life-time membership is conferred upon induction.

What do I get for the membership fee?
Your membership fee pays for your academic key or tie tac, honor cord and your membership certificate. It also pays a portion of the expenses of the local chapter. You also receive the national magazine, the FORUM of Phi Eta Sigma.

Is Phi Eta Sigma a social fraternity?
Although some chapters have social events, Phi Eta Sigma is not a social fraternity. There is a dignified induction ceremony to which your parents and friends may be invited. Most chapters have projects and activities promoting academic excellence and campus and community service.

Am I eligible for scholarships?
Phi Eta Sigma awards thirty cash scholarships of $2,000 and eighty awards of $1,000 in national competition. Members applying for scholarships must be nominated by their chapters.

Why should I join Phi Eta Sigma?
Phi Eta Sigma is an outward recognition of your academic accomplishments and is an incentive for continued high scholarship. It provides you the opportunity to meet freshmen scholars from all academic disciplines. Membership in Phi Eta Sigma identifies you to your employers and graduate schools as a person of superior academic ability and performance.