It is an open society that invites university juniors, seniors, and graduate students who are in the top ten percent of their class.

In 1915, Southwestern University President Charles M. Bishop created an honor society to encourage and promote superior students.

[4] At the 2007 National Convention, a membership category for graduate students was created allowing them, as well as college juniors and seniors, to join the society.

[6] The name Alpha Chi was chosen such that its initials ΑΧ would come from the Greek words aletheia for truth and χαρακτήρ for the character.

[4] The Alpha Chi Honor Society is open to college juniors, seniors, and graduate students in the top ten percent of their class.

[7] Invitations to join the organization are issued directly to eligible students by faculty advisors of active Alpha Chi chapters.

[10][11] The national headquarters for Alpha Chi sponsors 43 annual scholarships and fellowships for members on a competitive basis.