7 Surprising Reasons You Should Join a Collegiate Honor Society

The overwhelming majority of college students attend a four-year university for one reason. They want to increase their desirability in the job market and earn more money.

Did you know that the median income for ages 25-34 who earned their Bachelor's Degree is nearly $20,000 higher than those with a high-school diploma?

Hard-working, high achieving college students can join a collegiate honor society. Why would a student join? You need to know joining is not just your name in an annual book. There are real, tangible benefits especially after you graduate.

Do you want to know more? Read on for seven reasons why you should join a top collegiate honor society and our top-rated organizations.

1. Earn Scholarships

The student debt crisis is real. There is nearly $1.5 billion of outstanding student loan debt carried by US citizens.

Massive student debt causes graduates to delay important aspects of adult life like homeownership and marriage. Many graduates find themselves moving back home with their parents because their debt payments are so high.

You want to avoid this fate. Of all the reasons to join a collegiate honor society, earning scholarships to cover tuition cost is the most important.

2. Boost Your Career

Internship programs are one of the best ways to help a college student find a career. With these programs, students gain valuable on the job experience. They also network with companies who may hire them upon graduation.

Legitimate honor societies with large networks offer internship opportunities to college students. These internships can put you on the fast track to a great career as soon as you graduate.

3. Expand Your Network

Did you know 17 former US Presidents are or were members of the honor society, Phi Beta Kappa? Notable members also include many members of the US Congress, the courts, and industry leaders.

It's not a mistake. Honor societies like the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Phi Beta Kappa offer you the networking opportunities to push you up the career ladder.

4. Fluff Your Resume

In your last semester, you'll start applying for jobs for when you graduate. Your first resume won't contain a lot of actual work experience, and that's ok. Firms looking to hire for entry-level positions look at internships and school experience.

Though you may think you're on equal footing with other recent graduates, you're not. You need to find a way to make your resume stand out, and joining a national collegiate honor society will push your resume to the top of the pile.

5. Study Abroad

A member of a national collegiate honor society gets a better opportunity to broaden their horizons. A well-rounded liberal arts student is a well-traveled one.

Though universities offer study abroad programs, you have more opportunities to travel and study abroad in an honor society.

6. Community Service Opportunities

A four-year bachelor's degree in the liberal arts is about so much more than the piece of paper that you get at the end. It's an opportunity to learn about and engage with the world around you.

One of the ways to do this is through community service opportunities provided by a collegiate honor society.

7. Engage With People Like You

When you enroll in a four-year university, it's your first time away from home. You learn how to live on your own, form your thoughts away from your parents and your high-school friends.

College is a time to join a community that will be a big part of your adult life. An honor society helps you make connections to like-minded people who will grow to be your closest friends and most trusted allies.

Top Picks

Now you know seven reasons why you should enroll in a national honor society of collegiate scholars. You're an achiever, and you're interested in all the benefits. Now you need to know which are the best to join.

Unfortunately, not all honor societies are the same. Many unscrupulous organizations are willing to take your money and not offer anything in return. These phony organizations love to play on a student or parent ego to take your money.

While you need to be careful, we've compiled a list of legitimate honor societies you can join. Here are a few notable ones you should be aware of.

Phi Beta Kappa

The oldest liberal arts honor society and one of the most prestigious. There are 283 Phi Beta Kappa chapters across the United States.

Founded in 1776 at William and Mary University, this organization offers member invites to senior liberal arts and sciences students who demonstrate good character, and who's academic achievements place them within the top 10% of their class. 

Though it is a very selective organization, each chapter sets its own academic standards.

National Society of Collegiate Scholars

When students ask, "What is the National Collegiate Honor Society?" or "What is the National Honor Society of Collegiate Scholars?" this is the organization they refer to.

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars started in 1994 as a non-profit organization that elevates and rewards high-achieving undergraduates of all disciplines. 

This organization focuses on scholarship, community service, and leadership. They offer over $750,000 per year in scholarships, as well as member perks like travel discounts.

Honor Society

Devoted to academic and professional success, Honor Society is the most inclusive collegiate honor society in the United States.

We offer a three-tier membership program. Honors are for students with a GPA of 3.2 or above. High Honors are for students with a GPA above 3.5. Highest Honors are for students who earn a 3.8 GPA or higher.

Our organization offers students who exude academic excellence many great benefits like travel discounts, restaurant rebates, and discounted test prep. We also offer many great scholarship opportunities to our members.

Should You Join a Collegiate Honor Society?

If you're invited to join a collegiate honor society, you should. There are so many benefits for college students. You'll be part of a community you'll cherish for the rest of your life and you'll get the help you need to establish your career.

To learn more about what Honor Society offers college students, check out our benefits page.