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American Dream Belief Falls to 46%, Cost of Living Cited

6/20/2026

43 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

An MCAAD-Gallup poll found 46 % now agree anyone can achieve the American Dream, down from 51 % in 2024, while 54 % disagree, up from 49 %.
SurveyMonkey data show 44 % say they have achieved the Dream, with rates ranging from 22 % for Gen Z to 84 % for the Silent Generation.
Among those not yet successful, 55 % remain confident while 45 % feel uncertain, and 81 % cite cost of living as the top barrier.

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Story summary

An MCAAD-Gallup poll found 46 % now agree anyone can achieve the American Dream, down from 51 % in 2024, while 54 % disagree, up from 49 %.
SurveyMonkey data show 44 % say they have achieved the Dream, with rates ranging from 22 % for Gen Z to 84 % for the Silent Generation.
Among those not yet successful, 55 % remain confident while 45 % feel uncertain, and 81 % cite cost of living as the top barrier.