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Alabama sorority women break down the real story behind Bama Rush and TikTok fame

Kylan Darnell, a University of Alabama sorority star, opened up about the emotional toll of Bama Rush and revealing what viewers don't see behind the scenes.

The price of joining a college sorority is climbing nationwide, with some recruits paying tens of thousands of dollars for coaching, outfits, registration fees and housing to vie for spots in the country's most coveted chapters.

As Rush Week kicked off this month, the recruitment process is drawing renewed attention, fueled by the viral "RushTok" trend on TikTok and pop culture portrayals of Greek life, including the HBO documentary "Bama Rush" and Lifetime’s "A Sorority Mom’s Guide to Rush!"

"Costs and expectations have increased with the viral exposure coming from TikTok, TV shows and documentaries," said Michael Ayalon, CEO and founder of Greek University, a Tennessee-based speaking and consulting business for fraternities and sororities.

SORORITY GIRLS PUT THROUGH 'PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE' IN BAMA RUSH RECRUITMENT: COACH

"On the one hand, it has made recruitment more transparent and even accessible," Ayalon told Fox News Digital.

"Potential new members at any school can learn tips and demystify the process by watching others’ experiences. On the other hand, what people see online is a ‘highlight reel’ that emphasizes aesthetics over substance," he added.

Sorority recruitment fees, annual dues and housing costs can cost students tens of thousands of dollars. (Will McLelland)

The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) is the governing body for 26 national women’s sororities, including most of the big-name Greek chapters at U.S. colleges, like Alpha Chi Omega and Delta Gamma. 

To rush a NPC sorority, hopefuls pay non-refundable registration fees, according to university and National Panhellenic Conference websites. 

At the University of Alabama, it costs $375; at the University of Arkansas, $330; and at the University of South Carolina, $185.

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If accepted, students must then pay new member dues, according to university websites. At Alabama, active-member dues can be more than $5,000 per semester. 

Louisiana State University lists new member dues averaging $2,200 — and up to $3,270 for some chapters, according to the school's website.

Clemson University has new member costs of about $820. Lehigh University in Pennsylvania has new member fees of more than $1,600. UCLA has new member dues as high as $1,700.

Newly accepted sorority members celebrated at the University of Alabama in 2024. (Will McLelland)

The average new-member cost at the University of Oklahoma is $4,605, up nearly 25% from 2021, The Oklahoman recently reported.

The numbers continue to rise with the addition of housing and yearly dues. 

BAMA RUSH: INSIDE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA'S WILD AND ‘CUTTHROAT' SORORITY RECRUITMENT PROCESS

At the University of Oklahoma, the average cost of living in the sorority house is over $12,200. 

At Alabama, it can cost upwards of $15,000 to dorm in the sorority house.

Recruitment preparation has become its own industry with coaches, stylists, and social media strategists charging up to $5,500, The Cut recently reported. 

If girls arrive on campus early, they might have to pay early move-in fees of up to $180 per week.