Tara Westover net worth is a testament to her inspiring transformation from a Mormon survivalist family in Clifton, Idaho to a bestseller author and Harvard research fellow. Born into isolation with no formal education, she pursued self education and eventually became a Brigham Young University graduate before earning a Ph.D. from Cambridge University.
Her memoir, Educated: A Memoir, became a global sensation, earning praise from The New York Times, Bill Gates, and Barack Obama.
Today, she continues to inspire others through her memoir writing, public speaking, and advocacy for higher education, women empowerment, and personal growth and resilience.
Tara Westover Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
| Birth Name | Tara Westover |
| Gender | Female |
| Profession | Historian, Author, Memoirist |
| Nationality | American |
| Birth Location | Clifton, Idaho, United States |
| Birth Date | September 27, 1986 |
| Age | 38 years |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Heights in Feet | Approx. 5 ft 7 in |
| Heights in cm | Approx. 170 cm |
| Weight | Approx. 60 kg |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Education | Brigham Young University, Cambridge University, Harvard University |
| Notable Works | Educated: A Memoir |
| Residence | London, United Kingdom |
Who is Tara Westover?
Tara Westover is a bestseller author, inspirational speaker, and Harvard research fellow known for her memoir, “Educated: A Memoir”. She grew up in a Mormon survivalist family in Clifton, Idaho, where formal schooling was forbidden, and modern medicine was rarely used. Instead, her family relied on herbal remedies and their own beliefs about self sufficiency.
Despite these challenges, Westover pursued education against all odds, eventually becoming a Brigham Young University graduate and later earning a Ph.D. in Intellectual History from Cambridge University. Her story, which explores childhood adversity, family estrangement, and higher education journey, has been recognized by The New York Times, Time Magazine 100, and world leaders like Bill Gates and Barack Obama.
A Glimpse into Her Early Years
Born into a deeply conservative and isolated family, Westover’s childhood was anything but ordinary. She was homeschooled in the loosest sense, learning to read from religious texts rather than traditional school materials. She never saw a doctor when sick or injured, as her father believed in avoiding hospitals and relying on herbal medicine.
For most of her early life, Westover worked in her father’s junkyard, doing dangerous tasks with little protection. She had no formal birth certificate until she was nine, and her exposure to the outside world was limited. But despite all this, she had a burning desire to learn. She secretly studied and, at 17 years old, took the ACT exam, eventually securing admission to Brigham Young University.
Educational Journey
Westover’s higher education journey began at Brigham Young University, where she initially struggled because she had never been in a classroom before. She didn’t know basic historical facts, such as what the Holocaust was, and often felt out of place among her peers.
Through hard work and determination, she excelled, earning a Gates Cambridge Scholar award, which allowed her to study at Cambridge University. She later became a Harvard University visiting fellow and completed her Ph.D. in Intellectual History at Cambridge. Her research focused on 19th century Anglo American cooperative thought, morality, and social science.
Tara Westover Career
After completing her Ph.D., Westover transitioned into a career as a writer, speaker, and academic. She has held prestigious positions such as Harvard research fellow and has contributed thought-provoking essays to The New York Times and BBC News.
Her memoir writing and public speaking engagements have made her one of the most sought after inspirational speakers in the world. She frequently speaks at universities, conferences, and leadership summits about women empowerment, education, and personal growth and resilience.
Tara Westover Net Worth
- Book Sales: Her memoir “Educated: A Memoir”, published by Penguin Random House, has sold over 8 million copies and has been translated into 45 languages.
- Speaking Engagements: She earns thousands of dollars per event, speaking at prestigious institutions like Harvard University and corporate leadership events.
- Academic Positions: Her roles as a Harvard research fellow and guest lecturer contribute to her income.
Tara Westover Family
Westover’s family consists of her parents, Val and LaRee Westover, and six siblings. Her father’s anti-government beliefs led them to live off the grid, avoiding schools, hospitals, and mainstream society.
Her mother practiced midwifery and herbal medicine, creating home remedies instead of using modern treatments.
Family Conflict in Educated
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of Westover’s story is her family estrangement. In Educated, she details physical and emotional abuse by her older brother, which her parents refused to acknowledge. When she confronted them about it, they sided with her abuser, leading to a permanent rift.
This conflict remains one of the most discussed themes of her memoir, showing the struggles of breaking free from family expectations to pursue one’s dreams.
The Success of Educated
Westover’s memoir, “Educated: A Memoir”, became an instant bestseller. It was named one of The New York Times’ 10 Best Books of 2018 and won multiple book awards recognition, including:
- John Leonard Prize
- LA Times Book Prize
- National Humanities Medal
Influential figures like Bill Gates and Barack Obama have praised the book, further solidifying its impact on the literary and academic world.
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Tara Westover Awards and Honors
- Time Magazine 100 Most Influential People
- National Humanities Medal
- James Joyce Award
Her academic and literary contributions continue to shape discussions about education, self discovery, and resilience.
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From Isolation to Inspiration
Tara Westover’s journey is a testament to the power of education and perseverance. She went from a childhood of isolation in Clifton, Idaho, to becoming a Cambridge University scholar, bestselling author, and globally recognized speaker.
Her story proves that education is a path to transformation, and no matter your background, you can overcome adversity and shape your own destiny.
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Tara Westover Social Media
| Platform | Followers | Link |
| 23.4 K+ | Click Here | |
| 79 K+ | Click Here |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Did Tara Westover ever marry?
No, she is not married.
How much of Educated is true?
Some aspects are debated, and her family disputes parts of it.
What is Tara Westover’s net worth?
Estimated between $2 million and $4 million.
What is Educated about?
Her journey from isolation to Cambridge University.
Where does Tara Westover live?
London, UK.
What awards has Tara Westover won?
John Leonard Prize, LA Times Book Prize, and more.
Conclusion
Tara Westover net worth is a reflection of her incredible journey from an isolated childhood to global success. Through her bestseller author career, speaking engagements, and academic roles, she has built an estimated fortune of $2 million to $4 million.
Despite facing childhood adversity and family estrangement, her achievements in higher education and literature continue to inspire millions. Her story proves that with determination and self education, anyone can overcome hardships and redefine their destiny. Today, she remains an influential figure in memoir writing and an advocate for women empowerment and personal growth.
