Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society for college freshmen founded by three distinguished Phi Beta Kappa professors at the University of Illinois on March 22, 1923, to encourage and recognize high scholastic achievement among members of the freshman classes. Our goal is to encourage and reward academic excellence among first-year students in institutions of higher learning.

The oldest and largest freshman honor society, Phi Eta Sigma was founded at the University of Illinois on March 22, 1923. We now have more than 350 chapters throughout the United States and more than 900,000 inducted members.

Phi Eta Sigma was voted membership into the Association of College Honor Societies in 1937. Phi Eta Sigma is the fourth most senior member and only two societies have had longer continuous membership. Our members take a great deal of pride in the 80-year accomplishments of our society despite the fact that we have the lowest membership fee of any member of the association.