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Honor Societies: Overview, Types, and Member Benefits

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Janet Fowler
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Janet Fowler is a freelance financial writer and has 5+ years of professional experience in human resources.
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Updated February 02, 2024
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What Are Honor Societies? 

An honor society is a ranked organization in the United States that recognizes students in various fields.

Honor societies invite college students to join based on academic excellence, leadership, service, and character.

Key Takeaways

  • Honor societies are organizations for like-minded students at colleges and universities. 
  • Honor society membership normally is obtained by invitation or application.
  • Membership usually requires a fee but is generally guaranteed for a lifetime. 
  • Phi Beta Kappa was established in 1776 and is America’s oldest academic honor society.
  • The Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) is the only certifying agency for college and university honor societies. 

Types of Honor Societies

Honor societies group individuals based on academic excellence, leadership abilities, and similar interests or abilities. The benefits that they offer also relate to such categories. Some of these societies are referred to as professional fraternities.

A variety of honor societies can be found on college campuses. At Pennsylvania State University, Psi Chi is an International Honor Society in Psychology.

The Golden Key International Honor Society at Georgia State University is the largest honor society in the world, with two million members connected by academics, leadership, and service.

Phi Beta Kappa is America’s oldest academic honor society, founded in 1776. Approximately 50 new members are chosen annually. Members have included 17 U.S. presidents, 38 U.S. Supreme Court Justices, and more than 130 Nobel Laureates.

The Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) was founded in 1925 to coordinate and certify academic honor societies. It currently includes more than 65 college and university honor societies.

Membership Requirements

Acceptance into honor societies starts with an invitation or application. Prospective members must meet certain criteria to join.

At the University of Pennsylvania, juniors with a 3.85 GPA or higher and seniors with a 3.7 GPA or higher by the end of the fall semester are automatically considered for Phi Beta Kappa. Their transcripts are evaluated by the Electoral Board, which solicits letters of recommendation for eligible students.

Some students may be invited to join more than one honor society, and costs are associated with each membership. Selecting an honor society requires that a student research which society most closely matches their goals and ideals. Potential benefits should also be considered.

Application and induction fees can vary anywhere between $20 and $130. Additionally, some honor societies charge chapter or national fees.

Membership Benefits

Members often enjoy lifelong membership and alumni benefits.

  • Some academic societies only accept the best academic students, boosting a member's resumé.
  • Employers may be attracted to members of a prestigious fraternity or honor society.
  • Honor societies offer access to various social events, leadership opportunities, and international study programs.
  • Members can network with other students who share similar interests or goals, and with alumni already in the workforce.
  • Membership may open doors to internship opportunities and even the opportunity to fast-track applications and resumés to top companies.

How Can Students Research Honor Societies?

Students can research certified honor societies through the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) website. This is the national organization that regulates honor societies to ensure that they're meeting established standards.

What Are Some Alumni Benefits of Honor Societies?

Alumni members can network with others in the workforce to improve their career opportunities. Many honor societies also offer scholarships, grants, and other monetary awards to lessen the financial burden of graduate school education.

Can Students Join More Than One Honor Society?

Yes, students who may be invited to join more than one honor society can choose more than one. However, costs associated with membership can add up and include time obligations.

The Bottom Line

College and university students can research a school's honor societies through the Association of College Honor Societies. Membership is commonly achieved through invitation or application and is based on a student's record of academics, leadership, or service to the university.

Article Sources
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  1. Penn State World Campus. "Student Organizations."

  2. Georgia State University. "Honor societies at Georgia State University."

  3. University of the People. "What Are the Best Honor Societies in the U.S.?"

  4. Association of College Honor Societies. "ACHS History."

  5. University of Pennsylvania. "Phi Beta Kappa."

  6. Association of College Honor Societies. "Benefits of ACHS Membership."

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