NSLS Honor Society: What It Is and Whether It’s Worth Joining
If you’re a high-achieving college student, you may have received an invitation to join the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). With promises of networking, leadership development, and exclusive benefits, it might sound like a no-brainer—but is it really worth it?
In this article, we’ll break down what the NSLS offers, how it compares to other honor societies, and whether it’s a meaningful addition to your résumé or just another pay-to-join organization.
What Is the NSLS?
The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) is one of the largest leadership honor societies in the U.S., with over 1.5 million members across 700+ college campuses.
Key Facts:
Founded in 2001
Requires a one-time fee (usually around $95)
Offers a leadership training program, online events, and career resources
Not affiliated with Phi Beta Kappa or other traditional academic honor societies
What Do You Get as a Member?
When you join NSLS, you gain access to the following:
1. Leadership Certification
To become an “inducted member,” you typically need to:
Attend orientation
Complete a leadership training day
Participate in speaker broadcasts
Join peer success networking teams
2. Speaker Series
Members can attend (or watch online) talks from well-known figures in business, media, and politics. Past speakers have included:
Mark Cuban
Ariana Huffington
Trevor Noah
3. Scholarships & Awards
NSLS offers access to scholarships, grants, and awards exclusive to members. These can be helpful, but they are also highly competitive.
4. Résumé Credentials
You’ll be able to list NSLS membership and leadership training on your résumé, LinkedIn profile, and applications.
5. Discounts & Career Tools
Membership includes perks like:
Discounts on Dell, GEICO, and textbook rentals
Access to a job board and résumé builder
Is NSLS a Legitimate Honor Society?
Yes, NSLS is legitimate, but it’s not as academically prestigious as some other honor societies like Phi Beta Kappa or Tau Beta Pi. It's more of a leadership and personal development program than a recognition of academic excellence alone.
It is not affiliated with the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS), which oversees the credibility of academic honor societies. However, many schools do recognize and support NSLS chapters on their campuses.
Pros of Joining NSLS
Leadership development beyond the classroom
Nationally recognized organization with networking potential
Access to exclusive scholarships and job resources
Can help students without a strong extracurricular background show initiative
Cons of Joining NSLS
Membership fee can be steep, especially if you don’t take advantage of all the resources
Not as selective or prestigious as traditional honor societies
Some members report that the value depends heavily on the quality of their local chapter
Can be perceived as a “pay-to-play” résumé booster if not followed by active involvement
So, Is NSLS Worth It?
It depends.
If you're looking for leadership training, structured goal-setting, and a credential to add to your résumé, NSLS might be a good fit—especially if your campus has an active chapter. But if you’re only joining to pad your résumé and don’t plan to engage, your time and money might be better spent elsewhere.
NSLS can be a useful opportunity if you're genuinely interested in leadership development and plan to take advantage of its programs and events. But as with any organization, it’s not a magic ticket—what you get out of it depends on what you put in.
At College ROI, we’re all about helping students make smart, strategic decisions that pay off in the long run. Whether it’s joining an honor society, picking a major, or comparing colleges by salary outcomes—we’ve got the tools to guide you every step of the way.
Want to Know if Your College Investment Is Worth It?
Use our free CollegeROI platform (www.yourcollegeroi.com) to calculate your personalized return on investment based on your major, financial aid, and future salary potential. Whether you're trying to choose a college or make sure you're on the right path, CollegeROI gives you the clarity you need to make smarter financial decisions.
