The Real Housewives of New Jersey has had 15 housewives in the past but today, there are six women on the roster. What separated RHONJ from other franchises was the family ties these women had. If they weren’t related to each other, then they grew up with each other. And if they didn’t grow up with each other, then they hung out in the same circle of friends with each other. They’re a close-knit group.
But even after 12 seasons, fans don’t know everything about these famous women. As many fights as these women get into, most of them are college-educated and have incredible work experience.
Updated on July 30th, 2022, by Lynn Gibbs: The Housewives of New Jersey are known for their lavish lifestyles, dramatic friendships, and loving families. With 12 seasons under the series’ belt, The Real Housewives fans have seen these women in countless debacles and scenarios. What’s not often discussed is how educated these women are. Whether they went to college, started a business, or have learned a lot through being a stay-at-home mom, the women of New Jersey are wildly intelligent.
6 Dolores Catania: A Natural Business Owner
Dolores Catania was a guest over the years but she finally became a full-time member in season 7. Viewers quickly learned that she had a unique relationship with her ex-husband but the two were in business together and loved each other as friends.
Before going into business with her ex, Dolores was open about her education. She never attended college because she couldn’t afford it. She said on Bravo to make up for it, she was once a corrections officer before becoming a realtor and later a business owner of multiple gyms. Dolores quickly made herself one of the most liked Housewives because of her business-savvy and raw nature. On the other side of the coin, Dolores has also made some shocking decisions when it came to her relationships or her blind support of Teresa Giudice.
5 Jennifer Aydin: A Business Degree From Hofstra University
Jennifer Aydin joined the women of New Jersey in season 9. She turned heads at first because of her traditional Turkish background but she has proved to herself (and to her husband) that she’s capable of merging old traditions with modern ways. Jennifer’s husband, Bill Aydin, has also proven to be one of RHONJ’s top husbands.
On the show, Jennifer made it clear that being a mother and a wife was all she ever wanted. She excels at taking care of her family and takes pride in it. However, before having five children, Jennifer went to Hofstra University and earned a business degree, opened her jewelry store (according to Bravo), and Bravo even shared that she had her own cooking segments on TV.
4 Teresa Giudice: A Fashion Marketing Degree From New York’s Berkley College
Teresa Giudice is the OG of New Jersey who has had iconic lines over the years. She’s been a part of the series since season 1 and has ultimately had the most drama over the years. With four daughters and her ex-husband deported, Teresa had to rely on herself and bring home the bacon.
While Teresa detested when Danielle Staub told her to “pay attention,” she’s quite smart and has a degree in fashion marketing from New York’s Berkley College. She later became a buyer for Macy’s before settling down and becoming a stay-at-home mom. Thanks to the show, Teresa is also a New York Times Best Selling Author, was on other reality television shows, and created her line of cocktails among other business deals.
3 Margaret Josephs: A Fashion Degree From New York’s Fashion Institute Of Technology
Margaret Josephs entered The Real Housewives world in season 8 and hit the ground running. Known as the “powerhouse in pigtails,” Margaret didn’t care if she made enemies as long as she stayed true to herself and what was right. She had some of the biggest fights with Teresa but has made herself comfortable in the group.
Outside of filming, Margaret is a powerhouse in the fashion world as well. She has her lifestyle brand and clothing line, thanks to her degree from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (according to Bravo). After working at New York’s Garments Center, Margaret was inspired to create her own fabrics and designs. Twenty years later, Margaret’s line is still going strong.
2 Melissa Gorga: Elementary Education From New Jersey City University
Melissa Gorga has been called every name in the book thanks to many lasting arguments with her sister-in-law Teresa, but the one name she should be remembered for is: teacher.
Before she met Joe and had three kids, Melissa was a teacher. She received her degree in elementary education from New Jersey City University. What separated her degree from the others is the amount of testing that goes on after graduation to be licensed to teach in a particular state. Melissa is very bright and often underestimated. She no longer needs Joe to pay for her New Jersey vacations because’s successful on her own. These days, Melissa doesn’t teach but she is the owner of her boutique Envy.
1 Jackie Goldschneider: A Law Degree From Fordham University School Of Law
Jackie Goldschneider joined the cast in season 9 and brought a new air to the series. She was the mother of two sets of twins and worked hard to make her children’s lives as normal as possible, even though they were very privileged. Jackie is currently a freelance journalist with her own column in their local paper, but before creating a successful column, Jackie attended law school at Fordham University School of Law and created a “small real estate management company,” according to Bravo.
Her wealth, degree, and knowledge were a shock to fans and castmates because Jackie and her husband live minimally and didn’t find the need to show off their wealth like the others because she found it “tacky.” Nevertheless, it took years of hard work and determination to become a licensed lawyer. With season 13 around the corner, it’s been rumored that Jackie was demoted to a friend of the series but she still has some of the best friendships thanks to her five years on the show.
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