Tara Westover is a renowned writer and scholar. She is best known for her bestselling memoir titled Educated: A Memoir. Her journey from a Mormon survivalist family in Clifton, Idaho, to Cambridge University is remarkable. She has inspired millions with her story of self-discovery, resilience, and education advocacy.
Tara Westover has earned wealth through book sales, public speaking, and academic research. Her work has won major awards, including the John Leonard Prize and LA Times Book Prize. She has also been named in Time’s 100 Most Influential People.
Let’s dive deep into Tara Westover Net Worth, Bio, Family, Husband & more.
Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Tara Westover |
| Birth Date | September 27, 1986 |
| Birth Place | Clifton, Idaho |
| Education | Brigham Young University (BYU), Cambridge University, Harvard University |
| Occupation | Author, Historian, Public Speaker |
| Notable Work | Educated: A Memoir |
| Net Worth 2025 | $2 million – $4 million |
| Awards & Honors | John Leonard Prize, LA Times Book Prize, National Humanities Medal |
| Social Media | Not publicly active |
Early Life
Tara Westover was born in Clifton, Idaho, in a Mormon survivalist family. Her parents rejected modern medicine, government institutions, and formal education. She never attended school as a child. Instead, she worked in her father’s junkyard and assisted her mother with midwifery and herbal remedies. Her father believed that public schools and hospitals were dangerous.
Despite this, she was curious about the world beyond her home. She secretly studied textbooks and taught herself basic subjects. Her older brother encouraged her to pursue higher education. Against her family’s wishes, she decided to take the ACT exam, a crucial step in her journey to self-discovery and education.
Educational Journey
At 17, she left home and enrolled at Brigham Young University (BYU). She faced extreme difficulties adjusting to formal education. She had never heard of important historical events or taken a structured exam before. However, her determination helped her excel. Her professors noticed her talent and encouraged her to apply for prestigious scholarships.
Tara won a Gates Cambridge Scholarship and continued her studies at Cambridge University. She specialized in intellectual history and Anglo-American cooperative thought. She later pursued further studies at Harvard University and eventually completed a Ph.D. at Cambridge in 2014.
Tara Westover Net Worth 2025
Tara Westover net worth is estimated between $2 million and $4 million in 2025. She has multiple income streams, including:
- Book Sales: Educated: A Memoir has sold over 8 million copies worldwide. It has been translated into more than 45 languages.
- Public Speaking: She gives high-paid talks at Harvard Kennedy School, Seattle Arts & Lectures, and corporate events.
- Academic Research: She has held fellowships at Harvard University’s Shorenstein Center and worked as an A.M. Rosenthal Writer in Residence.
- Awards and Honors: Her success has been recognized with prestigious accolades like the American Booksellers Association Book of the Year.
Tara Westover Family
Tara grew up in a large family with six siblings. Her father, Val Westover, and her mother, LaRee Westover, followed strict survivalist beliefs. They raised their children with herbal remedies instead of modern medicine. They did not believe in formal schooling, choosing instead to homeschool their children.
Her family’s rejection of mainstream society deeply influenced her memoir. Many of her siblings still follow their parents’ beliefs. Some of them have distanced themselves from her after the release of Educated.
Family Conflict in Educated
Educated: A Memoir describes the physical and emotional abuse Tara suffered from one of her older brothers. She also details the psychological control imposed by her father. After the book’s release, her parents denied all accusations. They publicly disowned her and claimed her memories were false.
Despite this painful family conflict, Tara stood by her story. She focused on helping others understand the power of resilience and education advocacy.
The Success of Educated
Tara’s memoir became an instant bestseller. It was published by Penguin Random House in 2018 and has remained on The New York Times Bestseller list for years. High-profile figures like Barack Obama and Bill Gates praised the book. It won major awards, including the Goodreads Choice Award and New York Historical Society’s Women in Public Life Award.
Tara Westover Career Highlights
Tara Westover has built a remarkable career as an author, public speaker, and research scholar. She has worked with top institutions, including Harvard Kennedy School and The New York Times. She delivers lectures worldwide on education, resilience, and personal growth.
Her work focuses on family and morality in social science. She continues to inspire students, researchers, and educators with her story.
Tara Westover’s Book Sales and Royalties
This section can cover how much revenue she has generated from Educated: A Memoir, its publishing deals with Penguin Random House, translation rights, and ongoing sales figures. It can also compare her earnings with other bestselling authors.
Tara Westover’s Influence on Education and Society
This can focus on her impact on education advocacy, her speeches at Seattle Arts & Lectures, her research at Harvard Kennedy School, and how her story has influenced public discussions about self-discovery, resilience, and alternative education paths.
Tara Westover Awards and Honors
Her contributions to literature and education have earned her prestigious awards, including:
- John Leonard Prize – National Book Critics Circle
- LA Times Book Prize – Biography category
- National Humanities Medal
- James Joyce Award
- BBC News Top 100 Women
- Seattle Arts & Lectures Award
From Isolation to Inspiration
Tara Westover’s story is one of transformation and triumph. She overcame a survivalist lifestyle to achieve success in academic research and public speaking. Her journey proves that education can change lives, no matter the circumstances.
Her legacy is not just about personal success. It is about empowering others to break free from limitations and pursue knowledge.
Conclusion
Tara Westover has inspired millions through her memoir, public lectures, and education advocacy. Her journey from Clifton, Idaho, to Cambridge University shows the power of resilience and self-discovery. Tara Westover Net Worth & growing influence in academic research and personal growth, she continues to shape discussions on education and opportunity.
Read More: Marianna Orlovsky
FAQ’s
Who is Tara Westover?
She is a bestselling author, historian, and public speaker known for Educated: A Memoir.
What is Tara Westover net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between $2 million and $4 million in 2025.
What is Educated about?
It is an autobiography about her escape from a Mormon survivalist family and her journey into higher education.
When was Tara Westover born?
She was born on September 27, 1986.
Where does Tara Westover live?
She currently resides in London, UK.
What awards has Tara Westover won?
She has won the John Leonard Prize, LA Times Book Prize, and National Humanities Medal.
