To compile net worths, we valued individual assets including stakes in public companies using stock prices from September 11. We valued private companies by consulting with outside experts and conservatively comparing them with public companies. To be eligible for the list, women have to have substantially made their own fortunes in the U.S. and/or be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. While none inherited their wealth, some climbed farther and overcame more obstacles to get into the ranks. To measure just how far some have come, women are given a self-made score of 6 (hired hand) to 10 (rags to riches entrepreneur). Those listed as returnees are women who appeared on an earlier list, then missed the cut, and now once again qualify. We attempted to vet numbers with all list entrants. Some cooperated, others didn’t. Ages are as of October 13. For more information including details on the self-made scores, go to forbes.com/self-made-women