Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society for college freshmen. Our goal is to encourage and reward academic excellence among first-year students in institutions of higher learning.

The oldest and largest freshman honor society, Phi Eta Sigma was founded at the University of Illinois on March 22, 1923. We now have more than 350 chapters throughout the United States and more than 900,000 inducted members.

Phi Eta Sigma was voted membership into the Association of College Honor Societies in 1937. Only three societies have had longer continuous membership. Our members take a great deal of pride in the 75-year accomplishments of our society despite the fact that we have the lowest membership fee of any member of the association.

Is Phi Eta Sigma a social organization?
Although some chapters have social events, we are not a social organization. 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, but your participation is optional.

Who is eligible to join?
On campuses with an active chapter of Phi Eta Sigma, all freshmen who have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale at the end of any full-time curricular period are automatically eligible for membership, provided they have carried a normal academic load acceptable toward a bachelor’s degree and rank in the upper 20 percent of their class.

Must I be inducted at a particular time?
Although you will prefer to be inducted with your classmates, eligibility is not lost by missing induction. You may be inducted at a future induction ceremony.

Must I maintain my average?
Life-time membership is conferred upon induction, and maintaining the grade-point average is not required.

What does the national membership fee pay for?
Your national membership fee pays for your academic key or tie tac and your membership certificate. It pays a portion of the expenses for a chapter delegate to attend the national convention and leadership workshops. The national magazine, the FORUM of Phi Eta Sigma, and the study pamphlet, HINTS on Learning and Studying, are provided to chapters on a complimentary basis.

A portion of the membership fee goes to the Founders Scholarship Fund, which provides approximately thirty-five national graduate or undergraduate endowed scholarships of up to $5,000 each and approximately seventy-five national undergraduate awards of $1,000 each.

Who is eligible for the scholarships?
Cash scholarships of up to $5,000 and awards of $1,000 are provided to members of Phi Eta Sigma selected by the national scholarship committee. Members applying for the scholarships and awards must be nominated by their chapters.

Why should I join Phi Eta Sigma?
Phi Eta Sigma is an outward recognition of personal accomplishment and serves as an incentive for continued high scholarship. It provides you the opportunity to meet scholars from all academic disciplines on your campus and to join them in promoting academic excellence and campus and community service.
Membership in Phi Eta Sigma identifies you to employers and professionals and graduate schools as a person of superior academic ability and a commitment to campus and community service.

Who participates in the national convention and leadership workshops?
Every active chapter has the opportunity to nominate a student delegate to attend the biennial national convention and leadership workshops. The national office pays for the delegate’s air fare and/or automobile mileage, housing and convention meals. Student delegates chair and staff all convention committees, elect all national officers and provide guidance for the future. At each convention, three students are elected to serve a two-year term on the national Executive Committee. 

Student leadership and a commitment to service are a major strength for Phi Eta Sigma as future options are planned.