The organization currently has more than 229,000 members within 270 chapters at universities throughout the United States, making it the world's largest honor society serving all students from different backgrounds in the pursuit of a healthcare career.

At the first national convention at the University of Alabama on April 18, 1930, ten members representing five chapters and one petitioning group were in attendance.

[2][3] In February 1929 the first two women were initiated as members, making Alpha Epsilon Delta one of the earliest co-educational honor societies established.

[3] Baird's Manual had originally listed the society's colors as ultraviolet and infrared; the current Constitution notes them as red and violet.

[2][1] Membership is open to undergraduate students with a major interest in medicine and who meet the minimum requirements.