Kylan Darnell has already spent nearly $100,000 to join an elite fraternity at the University of Alabama.
Many would balk at the six figures the 20-year-old former beauty queen has spent in just two years on outfits, fees and other expenses required of sorority hopefuls.
But she told DailyMail.com that spending, say, $10,000 on a dress is an investment, and has impressive returns to prove it.
Halfway through her four-year career, she has earned more than $1 million sharing her experiences with her growing army of loyal followers on TikTok.
Darnell, previously crowned Miss Teen Ohio, already had a firm grasp on glamour.
But the cost of earning that title was a drop in the bucket compared to earning and keeping a spot in the Alabama chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha.
Former beauty queen Kylan Darnell earned over $1 million after joining a sorority
After four years, he will have shelled out around $200,000, but if his social media earnings grow at the same rate, he will have earned $2 million.
In fact, the numbers are not for the faint-hearted. At Darnell’s fraternity alone, dues can cost around $30,000 a year.
For those joining the sorority for the first time, a one-time payment of $4,581 is charged in the fall semester for new member dues, followed by another $4,441 in the spring semester.
On top of that, there are “dues” – fees paid to cover the brotherhood’s activities – which amount to about $1,400 a month.
For members who choose to live in the sorority mansion, a fee of $10,422 is charged for each of the two semesters.
“It’s quite expensive to be in a sorority,” Darnell told DailyMail.com, “but at the end of the day I feel like it’s more of a networking experience.”
“And I love that I found my future bridesmaids doing it.”
“I couldn’t imagine what my college experience would have been like without Greek life, it has definitely changed my life for the better.”
“Greek life” is the term used to describe the coveted experience of joining one of the 26 sororities that operate chapters on different campuses across the U.S.
If you face those huge costs, you will get in, but you will also have to pay to ring the bell. And if they don’t like you, they will slam the door in your face.
Sorority applications are typically a year-long process before a teen even sets foot on their new campus.
This process can include paying for the expertise of a sorority recruitment coach, borrowing your parents’ platinum card to buy tens of thousands of dollars worth of clothing, and fine-tuning your Instagram aesthetic.
Coaching mentors, like Greek Chic Sorority Consultants, charge up to $5,000 to help young women get into the sorority of their dreams.
Consultancies offer a menu of different services, ranging from a one-time fee of $125 for styling advice to around $4,500 for a full-year mentoring package.
Darnell, ever the entrepreneur, has created her own (much cheaper) program where aspiring sororities can pay $100 to subscribe, which gives them access to her tutorials.
At the Alabama chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha (pictured), dues alone can cost around $30,000 a year.
Sorority applications are typically a year-long process that includes training and interviews.
There are 26 sororities in the US that operate chapters on different campuses.
Then comes the “rush,” the costly, week-long culmination of this grueling process.
During the stressful week before classes start in the fall, sorority hopefuls attend rounds of interviews, sometimes lasting from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and all-day parties in an attempt to impress a demanding hiring committee.
Some candidates may be interviewed by up to 50 different current members of a sorority to see if they are a good fit.
According to experts, the popularity of sororities has skyrocketed since the pandemic, leaving them with more applications than ever and increasing the need to spend more money to have a fighting chance.
The University of Mississippi’s 11 sororities, for example, had 2,461 applicants this year, up from 2,221 last year, according to Trisha Addicks, founder of the sorority recruitment consultancy It’s All Greek To Me.
Auburn University, also in Alabama, had 2,188 young women apply to join 18 sororities, up from 1,894 last year, according to Addick’s personal data.
TikTok influencers have raised the bar on what is expected of rush outfits and, for those who are successful, what it takes to maintain the appearance of a sorority ambassador.
Darnell, who joined Zeta in 2022, is one of the most well-known personalities among the sorority’s influencers, with more than one million followers on TikTok.
Even though she’s already earned her spot, Darnell estimates she spends between $15,000 and $18,000 on clothing each peak season, including dressy costumes and more formal attire.
This year, Darnell dressed up in a variety of ways, including Sharpay Evans from High School Musical and Ursula the sea witch from The Little Mermaid.
Darnell (left) spends between $15,000 and $18,000 on clothing each peak season
Applicants may be interviewed by up to 50 different current members of a sorority during Rush
Many view sororities as an aspirational social life, and others appreciate the networking among alumnae.
“I’m someone who thinks it’s worth investing in clothes because at the end of the day a TikTok video will pay for that outfit,” she explained of the creator economy she’s managed to capitalize on.
Darnell’s recent investments have included a pair of Van Cleef earrings and other luxuries.
“I like my Louis Vuitton jewelry, but I treat myself more than I should,” she laughs.
But Darnell understands the business model. Thanks to social media, brand deals and her subscription program, the college junior is debt-free, having paid off all of her tuition and fraternity fees.
The TikToker now has her sights set on the future after her Greek life comes to an end in two years.
Armed with a financial advisor and savvy management, Darnell has her sights set on a career in sports broadcasting and buying her first home shortly after graduation.
