What Are The Best Honor Societies in the U.S.?

Thinking about joining an honor society? The right one can open doors to scholarships, research, leadership roles, and a powerful alumni network. The wrong one can drain your budget with little return. Here’s how to tell the difference, which national societies are most respected, and how to decide if membership is worth it for you.

Key Takeaways

• Honor societies recognize achievement (GPA, leadership, discipline-specific excellence) and can offer scholarships, networking, and résumé credibility.

• Selectivity and reputation vary widely. Look for national recognition, rigorous eligibility, campus presence, and clear member benefits.

• Costs add up. Factor in national + chapter dues and your time; join only if the ROI (money, opportunities, mentoring) is real for your goals.

• Legitimacy matters. Prefer societies with a strong track record and visible activity on your campus; verify claims and avoid pressure tactics.

• You can join more than one, but most students are better off going deeper with 1–2 strong societies than spreading time and money across many.

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What Is an Honor Society?

An honor society is an organization that recognizes students for outstanding achievements in academics, leadership, or service. Unlike social clubs or fraternities, honor societies are designed to celebrate excellence and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Most honor societies have selective membership criteria, such as:

• Maintaining a high GPA or class rank

• Demonstrating leadership on campus or in the community

• Showing commitment to service or a specific discipline

Members often gain access to scholarships, career resources, conferences, and networking opportunities with alumni and professionals in their field. While joining is not required to succeed in college, the right honor society can be a strong addition to your résumé and a meaningful way to connect with like-minded peers.

What Are The Best Honor Societies That You Should Join?

Choosing the right honor society can open doors to scholarships, leadership opportunities, and valuable networking. While there are many organizations out there, a few stand out for their history, prestige, and the benefits they offer to members.

1. Phi Beta Kappa

Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is America’s oldest academic honor society—and one of the most prestigious. Its members include 17 U.S. Presidents, 42 U.S. Supreme Court Justices, and more than 150 Nobel Laureates. Chapters at 290+ campuses induct over 10,000 new members each year through highly selective elections in the liberal arts and sciences.

• Who it’s for: Liberal arts & sciences standouts (high GPA, broad academic rigor).

• Typical eligibility: Top students; criteria vary by chapter.

• Notable benefits: National prestige, academic community, awards, and alumni network.

2. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)

Founded in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa is the official honor society for two-year colleges and is internationally recognized. With over 3.5 million members and 1,300+ chapters worldwide, PTK provides students with transfer scholarships, leadership training, and service opportunities. It is often considered a gateway for community college students planning to transfer to four-year universities.

• Who it’s for: Community college and two-year college students.
• Typical eligibility: GPA of 3.5 (or chapter-specific) and completion of 12+ credit hours.
• Notable benefits: Transfer scholarships, leadership programs, networking, and service opportunities.

3. Golden Key

Founded in 1977 at Georgia State University, Golden Key International Honour Society recognizes the top 15% of students by academic achievement across disciplines and has millions of members worldwide. Its honorary members include Desmond Tutu, Elie Wiesel, and Bill Clinton.

• Who it’s for: High-achieving students across disciplines (academics, leadership, service).

• Typical eligibility: GPA threshold; chapter requirements may vary.

• Notable benefits: Large global network, scholarships, service projects.

4. Phi Kappa Phi

Established in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is one of the most selective all-discipline honor societies. Membership is by invitation to the top 7.5% of juniors and the top 10% of seniors and graduate students (chapter criteria may vary).

• Who it’s for: All disciplines; highly selective academic recognition.

• Typical eligibility: Among top students by class standing (varies by chapter).

• Notable benefits: Grants, fellowships, national reputation across fields.

5. Gamma Beta Phi Society

Chartered in 1964, Gamma Beta Phi is a national honors and service society with watchwords of service, scholarship, and character. It is non-secret and non-profit and welcomes students committed to academic achievement and community engagement.

• Who it’s for: Students interested in scholarship, service, and character.

• Typical eligibility: Academic achievement plus service orientation.

• Notable benefits: Leadership opportunities, campus/community service, networking.

6. Alpha Lambda Delta

Founded in 1924 at the University of Illinois, Alpha Lambda Delta recognizes first-year academic excellence. Today it has hundreds of chapters (400+ by some counts) and 1M+ lifetime initiates.
Who it’s for: First-year undergraduates with exceptional academic performance.

• Who it’s for: First-year undergraduates with exceptional academic performance.

• Typical eligibility: Strong first-year GPA; chapter criteria vary.

• Notable benefits: Scholarships, early leadership, and community involvement.

7. Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK)

Founded in 1914, Omicron Delta Kappa is the national leadership honor society recognizing achievement across five pillars: scholarship, service, communications, arts, and athletics. ODK counts 300,000+ members and nearly 300 active circles nationwide.

• Who it’s for: Proven student leaders across five pillars (scholarship, service, communications, arts, athletics).

• Typical eligibility: Documented leadership impact; chapter criteria vary.

• Notable benefits: National leadership recognition, cross-campus network.

8. National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS)

NSCS honors first- and second-year high achievers. Typical eligibility includes a minimum 3.4 GPA and top 20% standing (plus credit-hour thresholds).

• Who it’s for: First- and second-year high achievers looking for early involvement.

• Typical eligibility: GPA threshold + class standing.

• Notable benefits: Scholarships, leadership training, mentoring, grad-school prep.

Also Consider (Discipline-Specific Honor Societies)

Depending on your major, these well-known societies may be a better fit:

• Tau Beta Pi (engineering)

• Beta Gamma Sigma (AACSB-accredited business programs)

• Psi Chi (psychology)

• Sigma Xi (scientific research)

• Sigma Tau Delta (English)

• Upsilon Pi Epsilon (computing & information disciplines)

Always check your campus chapter activity and eligibility criteria.

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How to Tell if an Honor Society Is Legitimate

Use this quick screen before you pay dues:

• Campus presence: Is there an active chapter, faculty advisor, and regular programming?

• Transparent eligibility: Are GPA/class-standing criteria and selection methods clear (and selective)?

• Real benefits: Are scholarships, grants, events, mentoring, and career support easy to find and verify?

• History & governance: Is there a national office, bylaws, and a track record of recognitions/awards?

• No pressure tactics: Reputable groups don’t use hard deadlines, upsells, or vague promises.

• Talk to people: Ask your academic advisor and professors which societies they respect on your campus.

(Tip: You don’t need to join every society that invites you. Choose the one or two that truly align with your goals.)

Are Honor Societies Really Worth It?

Honor societies were founded by small groups of students and faculty to recognize academic achievement. Despite the Greek letters, honor societies are different from sororities and fraternities. Many presidents have been members, and an honor society is a celebration of academic achievement. Not only does it look great on a resume for future employers, but many also offer a variety of grants and fellowships to their deserving members.

While it can take a lot of hard work to be invited, other students are faced with the decision of whether or not to join, especially since many people are unaware of what these societies really do. Honor societies aim to bring together like-minded students who have impressive skills, and being a part is often associated with prestige. Honor societies often include many social events for networking, which can be beneficial for the future.

Honor societies, of course, come with no guarantees and are unfortunately sometimes scams. Those who join these societies can get as much as they put into them. It’s also important to note that traditional campus life offers a wide variety of social events open to all students.

What Are The Costs Of Joining an Honor Society?

Joining an honor society almost always involves a membership fee, which can vary depending on the organization’s prestige and benefits. On average, fees range from about $20 to $125.

It’s also important to know that many societies require more than just an initial membership fee. Some have annual dues, chapter-specific fees, or additional costs for events and activities. While a single fee may not seem overwhelming, costs can add up quickly if you decide to join more than one society, especially on a student budget.

Before committing, take time to research what the fee includes, whether it’s scholarships, networking opportunities, or career support. This way, you can weigh the costs against the potential benefits and decide if joining is the right investment for you.

How To Choose Which Honor Society To Join

Some students are fortunate enough to be invited to more than one honor society, and in fact, they are not limited to joining just one. Costs, however, can add up, and many of them have obligations that are quite time-consuming. Make sure to do your research about an honor society prior to joining, and make sure that it matches up with your specific goals.

Bottom Line

Honor societies can be an excellent way to recognize your academic achievements, build leadership skills, and connect with a network of motivated peers. While membership fees and time commitments vary, the benefits often include scholarships, career opportunities, and valuable experiences that can strengthen your future prospects. The key is to research carefully, choose societies that align with your goals, and ensure the organization is legitimate before committing.

FAQs

Are honor societies worth joining?

Yes, if the society is legitimate and active on your campus. Membership can provide networking opportunities, scholarships, leadership roles, and a valuable addition to your resume.

How do I know if an honor society is legitimate?

Check if the organization is affiliated with the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) or officially recognized by your school. You can also look for a clear mission, active events, and transparent fees.

Can I join more than one honor society?

Yes, students are often invited to multiple societies, but keep in mind that each has its own membership fee and requirements. It’s usually best to choose the one most relevant to your academic and career goals.

Do honor societies help with scholarships or jobs?

Many do. Reputable honor societies often provide access to exclusive scholarships, grants, fellowships, and career networking opportunities that can help you advance academically and professionally.

What is the average cost to join an honor society?

Membership fees usually range from $20 to $125. Some societies also charge additional chapter or annual fees, so it’s important to check before joining.