<p>I am not sure about Alabama but at WSU the University did not build the houses. The money t build the houses come from the alumni. At UA everything that has to do with DD’s sorority is run through a service called Greek Resources that is independent of the University. Our meal plans, parlor dues, ect all are billed through them. Correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t the University own the land but not the structure. Somewhere I remember being told (or maybe I read it…Panhellenic Preview maybe???) that the sororities and fraternities rent the land back from the University for $1.00. Keep those big old houses up is expensive. Think of your kids and the amount of electricity and water they use…now times that by 60 girls…I would hate to get that bill. The sororities also have house boys, a live in house mom and a cooking staff that are paid for by that particular sororities housing corporation. My second DD was house manager of her sorority (not at Alabama) and I will tell you the finances end of it is a huge headache sometimes. I know the sororities are different from the guys but our “social” end of it swaps, dances ect are also included. It seems that fr DD’s boyfriend there was extra cost involved here. I would agree with SEA_tide that there are ways to budget and so I would echo don’t let the financial stuff scare you away if this is something that is important to you.</p>