Douglass Residential College, part of Rutgers University at New Brunswick, began in 1918 as the New Jersey College for Women. More than 1,800 female students either commute to or reside in special living-learning communities on campus. Douglass gives students the option of taking co-ed classes in addition to being part of programs created for women. These programs promote leadership and career skills to prepare female students for the future.
Tucked away on 200 acres of property in Morristown, New Jersey, the College of Saint Elizabeth serves a diverse group of female undergraduates. The Women's College offers liberal arts studies from a Catholic perspective. There are more than 25 programs for women seeking bachelor's degrees, and women interested in ministerial preparation can take courses from the Center for Theological and Spiritual Development. The college's proximity to New York City one hour away gives students easy access to culture and shopping.
The Women's College at Georgian Court University gives undergraduate women the chance to study on a 156-acre campus in Lakewood, New Jersey. The campus provides access to both New York City and Philadelphia. The Sisters of Mercy of New Jersey founded Georgian Court; while open to women of any religion, the school retains its Catholic roots and traditions. The Women's College offers small classes, personal attention and classes taught by qualified faculty members, rather than graduate assistants.
Students interested in attending a female-only school should evaluate their goals for the future. According to the Women's College Coalition, women who attend these colleges serve in leadership roles more often than women at co-educational schools. They are more likely to graduate in four or less years and tend to participate in more activities, such as student government, than students at other colleges. Visit the campuses for each school you're interested in attending. Take part in a few classes and interact with current students to see if the school is right for you.