This study examined differences between participation in academic and non-academic student organizations at a large, predominantly White, public research institution. A survey of 354 undergraduates revealed that students joined academic organizations to prepare for their futures while students joined non-academic organizations for immediate benefits such as making friends. Both groups indicated that their expectations were met and that they experienced personal benefits directed towards their goals, such as gains in field knowledge for students involved in academic organizations and interpersonal skill development for students in non-academic organizations. Implications for how administrators structure and direct students toward involvement opportunities are discussed. (Contains 1 table.)