Tara Westover’s net worth represents the total value of her assets, estimated between 2 to 4 million dollars in 2025. This wealth comes from her successful career as an author and speaker. Her book “Educated” and academic achievements have played a key role in her financial success.
Tara Westover’s rise from a survivalist family to a well-known author is nothing short of remarkable. Her story shows how resilience and self-education can lead to extraordinary success. This captivating journey has inspired many readers worldwide.
In 2025, Tara Westover’s net worth reflects her accomplishments as an author and educator. Her memoir “Educated” tells of her childhood in rural Idaho and her eventual escape through education. Today, she continues to inspire with her story of personal growth.
Biography
| Metric | Details |
| Name | Tara Westover |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated between $2 to $4 million |
| Born | September 27, 1986, Clifton, Idaho |
| Religion | Mormon |
| Family Background | Grew up in a Mormon survivalist family with six siblings |
| Education Journey | Self-taught, later attended BYU, earned Gates Cambridge scholarship |
| Ph.D. | Intellectual History, Cambridge University |
| Family Conflict | Explores strained family dynamics in memoir Educated |
| Book | Educated: A Memoir |
| Current Location | London, UK |
| Career Highlights | Harvard Fellow, Senior Research Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School |
| Current Activities | Writing, speaking, advocating for education |
Tara Westover Early Life
Tara Westover was born on September 27, 1986, in Clifton, Idaho, as the youngest of seven siblings. Her family followed a strict survivalist lifestyle, rooted in deep Mormon beliefs and distrust of government, public education, and modern healthcare.
Her mother was an herbalist and midwife who relied on homemade remedies instead of modern medicine. Tara’s childhood was unconventional, with no birth certificate until she was nine and very little formal schooling, creating a unique and isolated upbringing.
Despite limited resources, Tara developed a passion for learning, inspired by an older brother who shared his knowledge. She studied religious texts and taught herself through alternative methods, eventually breaking free from her secluded environment.
Tara Westover Educational Journey
Tara Westover’s educational journey began as a teenager in the mountains of Idaho, yearning for knowledge beyond her family house. With no formal schooling, she self-studied for the ACT, opening doors to her future.
At Brigham Young University (BYU), Tara faced a rough start as she adapted to college life and academic challenges. Despite these struggles, her determination paid off, and she graduated with honors in 2008, marking a turning point.
Her academic success didn’t stop there. Tara earned a Gates Cambridge scholarship, allowing her to pursue a master’s degree at Cambridge University. Her focus on intellectual history and social science highlighted her growing academic passion.
In 2014, she achieved her Ph.D. in intellectual history, specializing in 19th-century Anglo-American cooperative thought and morality. As a visiting fellow at Harvard, her research continued to inspire, proving her resilience and drive for higher education.
Tara Westover Net Worth
Tara Westover’s net worth, estimated between $2 to $4 million, stems from her incredible achievements as an author and speaker. Her best-selling memoir, Educated, has sold over 8 million copies since 2018, earning her significant book sales revenue.
Beyond writing, Tara’s financial growth is bolstered by speaking engagements at universities and conferences. With prestigious accolades like the National Humanities Medal and a Harvard residency, her career milestones highlight both her success and academic influence.
Tara Westover Family
Tara Westover grew up in a Mormon survivalist family in Clifton, Idaho, with her parents Val and LaRee Westover. Her childhood was shaped by homeschooling, a secluded lifestyle, and her parents’ strong anti-government beliefs and reliance on herbal remedies.
LaRee practiced herbalism and midwifery, creating homemade treatments for illnesses, while Val’s views kept the family distant from modern healthcare. Tara’s six siblings also shared this unconventional upbringing, which deeply influenced her perspective on family dynamics and education.
Family Conflict in Educated
Tara Westover’s memoir, Educated, delves deeply into her family conflict and emotional struggles. She recounts incidents of psychological abuse and physical attacks from her elder brother, highlighting the strained dynamics within her survivalist family.
Despite achieving a postgraduate degree, Tara faced family estrangement as her parents denied her claims and blamed outside influences. This separation became central to her personal journey, exploring identity, resilience, and the lasting impact of familial conflict.
The Success of Educated
Tara Westover’s memoir, “Educated: A Memoir,” published by Penguin Random House in 2018, became an instant success. It chronicles her extraordinary life story, highlighting her journey of personal growth and resilience against overwhelming odds.
The book quickly climbed the bestseller list, earning accolades such as being named one of The New York Times 10 Best Books of 2018. It won the Goodreads Choice Award and was celebrated by the American Booksellers Association as Book of the Year.
With endorsements from Barack Obama and Bill Gates, Educated achieved global recognition. Translated into 45 languages and selling over 8 million copies, it remains one of the most widely read and celebrated autobiographies today.
Tara’s memoir not only impacted readers but also established her as a significant figure in modern literature. Featured in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people, her story continues to inspire discussions about the transformative power of education.
| Metric | Details |
| Publication Year | 2018 |
| Publisher | Penguin Random House |
| Languages Translated | 45 |
| Copies Sold | 8 million |
| Key Awards | Goodreads Choice, Book of the Year |
| Major Endorsements | Barack Obama, Bill Gates |
| Cultural Recognition | Time 100 most influential people |
| Top Lists | The New York Times 10 Best Books 2018 |
Tara Westover Career Highlights
Tara Westover, best known as the author of the memoir Educated, has also made a mark in the academic world. She served as the A.M. Rosenthal Writer in Residence at Harvard’s Shorenstein Center in Fall 2019 and as a Senior Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School in Spring 2020, advocating for the importance of education and self-discovery.
Beyond her academic roles, Tara continues to inspire through public speaking and essays. Her work emphasizes the transformative power of learning for families without education. As an influential thinker, she contributes to discussions on educational opportunities and the impact of self-learning.
Tara Westover : Awards and Honors
Tara Westover’s writing has earned significant literary recognition, including prestigious honors like the John Leonard Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. These awards highlight her achievements in both biography and modern literature.
In addition to literary accolades, Tara has been recognized with the LA Times Book Prize in Biography and the James Joyce Award. She is also a prominent speaker at events like Seattle Arts & Lectures, where her work on women’s achievement is celebrated.
Tara’s accolades, such as the Women in Public Life Award and recognition from the New York Historical Society, showcase her impact on modern literature and her advocacy for women’s achievements in education and beyond.
From Isolation to Inspiration
Tara Westover’s journey from a secluded childhood to becoming a bestselling author is nothing short of extraordinary. Her memoir captures her struggle for education and personal growth against the backdrop of a strict, survivalist family.
Now residing in London, Tara has become an educational advocate. Her life is a powerful example of how education can transform one’s path, turning hardships into opportunities for global speaking and inspiring others to pursue perseverance in the face of adversity.
Social Media Profiles
Here are Tara Westover’s verified social media profiles:
| Platform | Username | Followers | Profile Link |
| @itsmetarajane | 22,000+ | ||
| X | @tarawestover | 75,300+ | X |
| Tara Westover | 79,000+ | ||
| Website | N/A | N/A | tarawestover.com |
Please note that follower counts are approximate and may have changed since the last update.
Conclusion
Tara Westover’s life story is an inspiring example of hard work and perseverance. From her difficult childhood to becoming a bestselling author, she has shown the world the power of education.
By 2025, her net worth reflects her success and the impact of her memoir. Tara’s dedication to education and personal growth continues to inspire many, proving that with determination, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve great things.
FAQs
Is Tara Westover still married?
Tara Westover is not publicly known to be married as of 2025, keeping her personal life private.
How many copies did Educated sell?
Educated has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, becoming a bestselling memoir.
What does Tara Westover do now?
Tara continues to write, speak globally, and advocate for education and personal growth.
Does Tara Westover have a relationship with her family?
Tara’s relationship with her family is complicated, but she has reconciled with some family members.
What happened to Audrey Westover?
Audrey Westover, Tara’s sister, remains a private individual, with little public information about her current life.
Is Tyler from Educated autistic?
Tyler, Tara’s brother, has not publicly disclosed any diagnosis, and his situation remains personal.
