
The Economics of Everyday Things
48. College Fraternities
May 13, 2024
Investigative journalist Zachary Crockett dives into the world of college fraternities, discussing their budgets, parties, and unique expenses like liability insurance and expensive DJs. Guests share insights on the financial management, historical origins, and economic benefits of joining a fraternity, highlighting the valuable professional networking opportunities that come with membership.
19:24
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Quick takeaways
- Fraternity membership boosts future earnings by 36% despite lower GPAs.
- Fraternities operate as businesses managing substantial budgets and networking opportunities for members.
Deep dives
The Economics of Joining Fraternities
Joining a college fraternity can lead to substantially higher incomes despite lower college GPAs. Research shows a 36% boost in earnings for fraternity members compared to non-members. While fraternity brothers may have lower academic performance, the social capital gained from fraternity membership provides significant financial benefits in the long term.