Purdue boasts one of the nation's largest Greek systems, with approximately 5,000 student members holding membership in one of 42 men's fraternities or 25 women's fraternities and sororities.  About 18% of Purdue's undergraduates are members of a general Greek letter organization.

Since the founding of the Sigma Chi chapter in 1875, Greek letter organizations have maintained a steady and influential presence on Purdue's campus.  Most growth in chapters and membership occurred between 1905 and 1960.  Several of Purdue's most distinguished graduates are members of fraternities and sororities