The choice of fraternity is completely yours. It is a decision you have made for a lifetime. Remember, you are not joining a name or a house, you are joining a group of men. The amount of dues at any particular chapter is determined by the chapter. All other moneys collected by individual chapters are used to cover the costs of operating the chapter house and its expenses, costs involved in rush, and other costs deemed necessary by the chapter.
Costs vary because of location, economy, size of chapter, and several other factors.
Some IFC's have more authority than others, depending on the status of the IFC and the regulations of the university. In many instances, the IFC is responsible for setting the rules for rush, has control over activities in which fraternities participate, and incorporates a judicial system for the fraternities. At larger universities there is a person whose job it is to oversee the Greek-letter organizations. Sigma Chi requires its chapters to be active members of IFC and to work closely with university administrations. Sigma Chi recognizes that without the university the fraternity would not exist on that campus.