Tara Westover Husband: Net Worth, Age & Life Story (2025)

Tara Westover is a bestselling author, known for her powerful memoir, Educated. She grew up in a survivalist family in rural Idaho, with no formal education. However, her determination and love for learning led her to Cambridge University, where she earned a Ph.D.

Her book shares her extraordinary journey, from isolation to academic success. Readers are also curious about her personal life, husband, and family conflicts. Despite her achievements, she has limited contact with her family due to past struggles.

This article explores Tara Westover’s biography, net worth, husband rumors, and achievements. Her life is a true inspiration, proving that education can change everything.

Tara Westover Biography

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Tara Westover
Date of Birth	September 27, 1986
Age (as of 2025)	38 years old
Birthplace	Clifton, Idaho, USA
Nationality	American
Profession	Author, Historian, Essayist, Memoirist
Famous For	Her memoir “Educated” (2018)
Education	Brigham Young University (BA), Cambridge University (MPhil, PhD)
Notable Book	Educated: A Memoir
Awards	American Booksellers Association Award, Goodreads Choice Award, Audie Award for Best Autobiography, and more
Net Worth (2025)	Estimated around $5 million
Marital Status	Unconfirmed (Rumored connection with Drew Mecham)
Parents	Val Westover (Father), LaRee Westover (Mother)
Siblings	6 siblings
Religious Background	Raised in a Mormon survivalist family
Current Residence	United States (Exact location undisclosed)
Social Media Presence	Limited or inactive on major platforms
Key Themes in Work	Education, Resilience, Family Struggles, Self-Discovery
Achievements	Bestselling Author, Recognized Public Speaker, Acclaimed Memoirist

Who is Tara Westover?

Tara Westover is an essayist, biographer, and novelist best known for her 2018 memoir, Educated. The book, which has sold millions of copies worldwide, details her journey from an uneducated child in a remote Idaho town to a highly accomplished Cambridge University graduate. It has been translated into over 40 languages and praised by leaders like Barack Obama and Bill Gates.

Beyond her literary success, Tara has become an advocate for learning, proving that self-determination can break even the toughest barriers. Despite her public fame, she remains a private person, especially regarding her personal relationships and family ties.

Early Life and Family Background

Growing up in a survivalist household, Tara’s early years were unlike most children. Her father, Gene Westover (a pseudonym used in her book), strongly opposed government institutions, including education and healthcare.

As a result, Tara and her siblings were not enrolled in school or given proper medical care. Their family life was shaped by strict religious beliefs and isolation from the outside world.

Tara had six siblings, each playing a different role in her journey:

Tony – The oldest brother.
Shawn – The second oldest, known for being abusive toward Tara.
Tyler – The third oldest, the first sibling to pursue higher education.
Luke – The fourth oldest brother.
Audrey – The fifth oldest sibling and Tara’s only sister.
Richard – The youngest brother.

Despite these challenges, Tara had a deep curiosity for learning. With the help of Tyler, she taught herself math, grammar, and history using old textbooks. At 17, she made a life-changing decision to enroll in college, setting her on the path to academic achievement.

Tara Westover’s Education Journey

Tara’s first step toward formal learning came when she took the ACT exam and gained admission to Brigham Young University (BYU). The transition was incredibly difficult, as she had no prior schooling experience. Yet, she persevered, excelling in her studies and later securing a Gates Cambridge Scholarship to pursue her Ph.D. at Cambridge University.

Her academic triumph was remarkable, earning her accolades and scholarships that helped her study at Harvard University as well. In 2014, she was awarded a Ph.D. in history, a milestone that symbolized her escape from isolation and entry into the world of knowledge and intellectual growth.

Tara Westover Husband: Her Personal Life

One of the most frequently asked questions about Tara Westover is, “Is she married?” Despite her worldwide fame, Tara keeps her romantic relationships extremely private. While some rumors have linked her to Drew Mecham, there is no confirmed evidence that she has a husband.

Her memoir also does not provide much detail about her romantic life, focusing instead on her family, education, and personal struggles. Given her preference for privacy, it remains uncertain whether she is currently in a relationship or married.

Meet Drew Mecham: Tara Westover’s Husband or Past Love Story?

Tara Westover has always kept her personal life private, but rumors about her love life have surfaced over the years. Many have speculated about Drew Mecham, a name linked to her in the past. However, there is no confirmed information about him being her husband or long-term partner.

While some sources claim Tara may have had a relationship with Drew Mecham, she has never spoken publicly about it. Her memoir, Educated, focuses on her family struggles, education, and resilience, but does not mention a husband or romantic relationship. This has led to further speculation about whether she ever married.

As of 2025, Tara Westover remains unmarried and focused on her career. She rarely shares details about her personal life, preferring to keep her relationships out of the public eye. Whether Drew Mecham was a past love or just a rumor remains unknown.

Career and The Success of Educated

Tara Westover’s memoir, Educated, became an instant hit, spending over two years on The New York Times bestseller list. The book’s themes of self-discovery, resilience, and education struck a chord with readers worldwide.

Her work has been recognized as one of the most influential autobiographies of the 21st century, inspiring discussions on the power of schooling, knowledge, and intellectual growth.

Tara Westover’s Net Worth in 2025

As a bestselling author, Tara Westover has accumulated significant wealth. Her estimated net worth in 2025 is around $5 million, primarily from book sales, speaking engagements, and royalties.

Source of Income	Estimated Earnings
Educated Book Sales	$3 Million+
Public Speaking	$1 Million
Academic Research & Writing	$500,000
Media & Consulting	$500,000

Awards and Recognitions

Tara’s achievements include numerous literary and academic awards, such as:

National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist – Tara Westover’s memoir, Educated, was shortlisted for this prestigious award in the Autobiography category.
American Booksellers Association’s Nonfiction Book of the Year – Recognized for its impact and popularity among readers.
Audie Award for Best Autobiography/Memoir – Her audiobook version of Educated won this honor for its storytelling and narration.
TIME’s 100 Most Influential People (2019) – Tara was named among the most inspiring figures worldwide for her contributions to literature and education.
PEN America Jean Stein Book Award Nominee – Acknowledged for its literary excellence and storytelling.
New York Times Bestseller – Educated spent over two years on the bestseller list, cementing its place as a must-read memoir.
Amazon’s Best Book of the Year (2018) – Selected as the top book by Amazon editors.
Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction (Finalist) – Recognized for her contribution to nonfiction writing.
Presidential Medal of Freedom (Speculated) – There have been discussions about honoring her for her impact on education and literature.

From Isolation to Inspiration

Tara Westover grew up in isolation, far from modern schools and hospitals. Her family followed strict survivalist beliefs, keeping her away from formal education. But she fought for knowledge, teaching herself and later studying at Cambridge University. Her journey from a remote Idaho home to a Ph.D. from Cambridge became a story of strength and self-discovery.

Her personal life remains private, but there were rumors about her connection with Drew Mecham. Some sources suggest he was a close friend or past love interest. However, Tara has never publicly confirmed a husband. She focuses on writing, public speaking, and inspiring millions with her memoir, Educated.

Where is Tara Westover Now?

As of 2025, Tara Westover continues to focus on writing, education, and advocacy. She occasionally speaks at universities and conferences, promoting the importance of intellectual growth and academic achievement.

Tara Westover’s Social Media Presence

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A post shared by Tara Westover (@itsmetarajane)

Tara Westover, the acclaimed author of Educated, maintains a presence on several social media platforms. On Instagram, she shares glimpses into her life and interests, including her love for dogs.

Her Facebook page serves as an official platform for updates related to her work, primarily managed by her publisher, Random House. On X (formerly Twitter), she engages with her audience, discussing topics related to her memoir and personal experiences.

Platform	Username	Followers	Following	Notes
Instagram	@itsmetarajane	23K	201	Shares personal photos and interests; self-described “Author of Educated, dog enthusiast.”
Facebook	Tara Westover	79.2K	N/A	Official page managed by Random House; posts by Tara are signed “TW.”
X (Twitter)	@tarawestover	74.4K	463	Engages with followers; discusses topics related to her memoir and personal experiences.

Tara Westover Fun Facts & Hobbies

Self-Taught Beginnings – Tara never attended school as a child but taught herself enough to get into Brigham Young University.
Passion for Learning – She went on to earn a Ph.D. from Cambridge University, proving her resilience and determination.
Love for Music – Tara enjoys singing and playing musical instruments, a passion she developed in her isolated childhood.
Dog Enthusiast – She loves dogs and often shares glimpses of her furry companions on social media.
Minimal Social Media Presence – Unlike many public figures, she maintains a low profile and rarely shares personal updates.
Memoir Bestseller – Her book Educated became an instant hit, selling millions of copies worldwide.
Inspiration to Many – Her journey from a survivalist upbringing to academic success inspires readers globally.
Limited Contact with Family – Due to conflicts described in her memoir, she has a distant relationship with her parents and some siblings.
Public Speaker – Tara speaks at events and universities, sharing her powerful life story and insights on education.
Private Personal Life – While many speculate about her husband or relationship status, she has kept her personal life largely undisclosed.

Tara Westover Future Prospect

Tara Westover’s future remains a topic of interest. She continues to inspire people through her memoir, public talks, and writings. While she keeps her personal life private, there have been rumors about her love life. Some speculate that she was once linked to Drew Mecham, but she has never confirmed having a husband.

Looking ahead, Tara may write another bestselling book or focus on education advocacy. Her journey from isolation to success proves her resilience and strength. Whether or not she shares more about her love life, her legacy will always be about overcoming adversity and the power of knowledge.

Conclusion

Tara Westover’s life is a story of strength, education, and success. She overcame a childhood without formal schooling and went on to earn a Ph.D. from Cambridge University. Her memoir, Educated, became a bestseller, inspiring millions worldwide.

Her personal life remains private, and details about her husband or relationships are unconfirmed. Despite her success, she has a distant relationship with her family due to past conflicts.

Today, she continues to share her story, speak at events, and inspire others. Her journey proves that education and determination can change lives. Tara Westover remains a symbol of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of knowledge.