Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society for first-year college students. Our goal is to encourage and reward academic excellence among first-year students in institutions of higher learning. The oldest and largest first-year honor society, Phi Eta Sigma was founded at the University of Illinois on March 22, 1923. We now have more than 375 chapters throughout the United States and more than 1,000,000 inducted members.

On campuses with a chapter of Phi Eta Sigma, all first-year students are eligible to join who have a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale at the close of any full-time curricular period during their first year.

Although you will prefer to be inducted with your classmates, you do not lose eligibility by missing your induction opportunity. Check with the local chapter adviser to learn how and when you may be inducted.

Although some chapters have social events, we are 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, but your participation is optional.

Membership in Phi Eta Sigma does not prevent you from joining a social fraternity or sorority.

No. Lifetime membership is conferred upon induction.

Upon induction you will receive a membership certificate and Society pin. Along with that, your one-time membership fee guarantees you lifetime membership into the society.

As a student in Phi Eta Sigma, you will be able to participate in programming at the national and local levels, to utilize exclusive membership perks and benefits programs, to apply for scholarships, awards, and research opportunities, to develop leadership skills, and to build a community through our network of scholars.

Any active member of Phi Eta Sigma who have been inducted for at least a semester may apply for national scholarships through the Founders Fund. Applications are made available in January of each year, and the deadline is May 1.

The scholarship committee is looking to identify and recognize students who are successful in the classroom and beyond, and who are in active in Phi Eta Sigma at the local, regional, and/or national levels.

Every active chapter has the opportunity to nominate a student delegate to attend the annual national convention. 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 one-year term on the National Board of Directors. Student leadership is a major strength for Phi Eta Sigma in directing the Society’s future

Establishing a chapter of Phi Eta Sigma begins with leadership, specifically a faculty or staff member who desires to provide national honor society recognition and rewards to students who achieve academic excellence during their first year of higher education. If you are interested in re-chartering or establishing a new chapter of Phi Eta Sigma at your college or university, please email HQ@phietasigma.org to learn more about the process.

Please visit our Chapter Listings to find specific chapters here.