Fraternity and sorority members say money isn't a factor when joining their organizations, but expenses do scare some away from the Greek scene.

"Living in the suite costs exactly the same as a regular dorm, but you get to live with the other members," said Patty Sherry, adding that she enjoys living in her Delta Delta Delta sorority suite, 108 S. Cross.

"Money was a factor in joining, but I had a job. We pay $175 per semester which includes everything, like our formals," said Sherry (sophomore-biology). "There are other things you could buy, like T-shirts, but it's not mandatory -- you'd probably spend just as much money or more if you weren't in a sorority."

Some fraternity members agreed.

"Paying a social bill of $150 per semester is a lot cheaper than if you had to pay for everything yourself," said Don Pohland, social chairman for Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, 234 E. Beaver Ave.

Ed Miller, president of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, 351 E. Fairmount Ave., said it costs $1,700 to live in the house. That price covers meals and additional expenses, he said, adding that members who do not live in the house pay up to $375 in social fees per semester.

"Members have used money as a reason for becoming inactive, but that's just an excuse," Miller said. "Most of the members work during break doing things like telemarketing, lifeguarding and bartending to pay their dues, since most parents don't pay for them."

But some non-Greek students call cash their reason for remaining independent.

"I haven't joined a sorority because I think it's too much money for what you get out of it," said Jen Trout (freshman-dairy and animal science). "I don't think it is right to pay to have friends.

Stephanie Neidermyer (senior-human development and family studies) used to be in a sorority at James Madison University in Virginia, but she decided to become inactive when she transferred.

"When I first joined, money was a big concern, but the sorority I chose was one of the most inexpensive ones," said Neidermyer. "I became inactive here because I just didn't agree with the politics here."

Some others chose to join a specialized organization because fees are lower.

"All we paid was a $75 initiation fee -- I think it's totally worth it," said Ann Bergstresser, member of Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity. "I think a social organization would have been too much money."

Jeff Vanderbush, house manager of Sigma Pi fraternity, 303 Fraternity Row, said money isn't a factor when someone decides to join a fraternity.

"I don't think money is an issue at all when deciding whether or not to live in the house. If someone can't come up with the money, something can always be worked out," Vanderbush said. "It costs almost exactly as much as dorms."

Most fraternities set up a payment plan if members have trouble getting their money in. It is rare to deactivate a member on the grounds of dues.

"We're pretty lenient when it comes to paying dues. We have people that owe us for years, but they'll pay when they get out. It's no problem," said John Hess, rush chairman for Delta Theta Sigma fraternity, 101 N. Patterson St.

However, when joining a sorority, the rules on paying dues are stricter.

"When one doesn't pay, they are put on financial probation. Then we waiver the payment or you are dismissed and reactivated when you are able to pay. It's a matter of organizing your priorites," said Lynn Charnitski, treasurer for Pi Beta Phi sorority, 5 Hiester Hall.

In some cases money wasn't a deciding factor at all in chosing to become Greek.

"Money is not the reason I did not join," said Thomas Bennett Critchley (junior-finance). "I just think it would take too much time away from my studies."