Who Belongs in Phi Beta Kappa

The ideal Phi Beta Kappa member has demonstrated intellectual integrity, tolerance for other views, and a broad range of academic interests. Each year, about one college senior in a hundred, nationwide, is invited to join The Phi Beta Kappa Society  (Stipulations for Membership).

Since the Society's founding in 1776, 17 U.S. Presidents, 38 U.S. Supreme Court Justices, and more than 130 Nobel Laureates have been inducted as members—as well as countless authors, diplomats, athletes, researchers, actors, and business leaders. View a list of notable Phi Beta Kappa members here.

What Happens to Membership After Graduation?

At the time of induction into The Phi Beta Kappa Society, one joins the nation's oldest and most prestigious honor society for life. Phi Beta Kappa membership shows commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, and to freedom of inquiry and expression—and it provides a competitive edge in the marketplace.  Potential employers regularly contact The Phi Beta Kappa Society's national office to confirm the membership of job seekers who have listed Phi Beta Kappa among their credentials. 

After graduation, members may join a Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Association in their community. Associations bring together members of all ages. They foster friendship and lifelong learning through social, cultural, and educational programs, and community service projects. Many associations raise money for college scholarships to perpetuate the legacy of The Phi Beta Kappa Society. 

Members also have exclusive networking opportunities, and have access to a liftetime subscription to The Key Reporter and special members benefits. Learn more about the benefits of a Phi Beta Kappa lifetime membership .

Are you a Phi Beta Kappa member? Log into the Member Portal or email Member Services to update your contact information.

Member Benefits

As a lifetime member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, you share membership with some of the most accomplished politicians, scholars, writers, and businessmen in the world. This honor sets you apart from the rest and shows your capacity for critical thought, analysis, and good writing — skills that are continually sought after by employers. Here’s how you can make Phi Beta Kappa a part of your everyday life:
  • Maintain your connection to the liberal arts and sciences by contacting your local ΦBK Alumni Association.
  • Associations organize dinners, panels, scholarships, tours, and more in cities across the country. Interested in organizing an Alumni Association in your area? Please contact the Director of Society Affairs. 
  • The Society sponsors lectureships, scholarships, two quarterly publications, and the renowned ΦBK Visiting Scholars program, in addition to initiatives with partner institutions to advance the liberal arts and sciences. The Phi Beta Kappa Society cannot change the world for the better without the support and activism of members like you. Please visit our giving center  to help us reach our goals. 
  • Your membership opens up to you a vast network of successful people in nearly every field. Phi Beta Kappa is active on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and LinkedIn. All are great opportunities to exchange ideas and participate in discourse with other Phi Beta Kappa members. 
  • All members receive The Key Reporter, which will keep you abreast of the Society’s activities. 

Why Accept Our Invitation?

Becoming an association member gives you the opportunity to meet other Phi Beta Kappa members in your area and can also be a great way to network and make professional connections. Associations are financially independent from the Society and set their own, modest annual dues to support their activities. Many associations award scholarships to outstanding high school and college students, and some present prizes for student achievement and teaching excellence. Many associations collaborate with Phi Beta Kappa chapters to organize lectures and events.