Whether you're preparing for recruitment, shopping for a Greek gift, or just curious about who’s who in the world of Greek life, this guide is your go-to resource. Greek letter organizations—fraternities and sororities—play a powerful role on college campuses across the U.S., fostering leadership, service, and lifelong friendships.

Here’s a breakdown of major Greek letter organizations by umbrella council:

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) – The Divine Nine

These historically Black fraternities and sororities emphasize service, scholarship, and cultural heritage.

Fraternities:

• Alpha Phi Alpha (ΑΦΑ)

• Kappa Alpha Psi (ΚΑΨ)

• Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ)

• Phi Beta Sigma (ΦΒΣ)

• Iota Phi Theta (ΙΦΘ)

Sororities:

• Alpha Kappa Alpha (ΑΚΑ)

• Delta Sigma Theta (ΔΣΘ)

• Zeta Phi Beta (ΖΦΒ)

• Sigma Gamma Rho (ΣΓΡ)

National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) – Sorority Life

This council governs 26 international sororities found on most college campuses in the U.S.

Examples Include:

• Alpha Chi Omega (ΑΧΩ)

• Delta Delta Delta (ΔΔΔ)

• Kappa Alpha Theta (ΚΑΘ)

• Phi Mu (ΦΜ)

• Zeta Tau Alpha (ΖΤΑ)

(Full list available upon request)

North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) – Fraternity Brotherhood

NIC is the umbrella for most men’s social fraternities in the U.S., including many with chapters dating back to the 1800s.

Examples Include:

• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ)

• Lambda Chi Alpha (ΛΧΑ)

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ)

• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ)

• Tau Kappa Epsilon (ΤΚΕ)

(Full list available upon request)

Professional, Service, and Cultural Greek Organizations

Not all Greek organizations are social. These groups focus on specific fields or values:

Examples:

• Alpha Kappa Psi (ΑΚΨ) – Business

• Delta Sigma Pi (ΔΣΠ) – Business

• Alpha Phi Omega (ΑΦΩ) – Service

• Sigma Lambda Gamma (ΣΛΓ) – Latina-based

• Phi Delta Chi (ΦΔΧ) – Pharmacy

What Do Greek Letters Mean?

Greek letters represent an organization’s name and values—often rooted in ancient ideals of brotherhood, sisterhood, and scholarship. While some meanings are secret, they all carry deep significance to their members.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're going Greek, supporting someone who is, or just shopping for the perfect fraternity or sorority gift, understanding the landscape of Greek life helps you navigate with confidence—and maybe even a little pride.