Today's teens aren’t abandoning the American Dream – they’re redefining what achievement looks like in response to today’s challenges. A 2025 survey of 504 teenagers (ages 13-19) reveals that while traditional milestones like homeownership, marriage, and education still matter, their definitions of success have evolved based on financial constraints and personal priorities. More than half (62%) say their generation views success differently than older generations, and 51% feel that traditional “American Dream” advertising doesn’t resonate with them.

Teens still aspire to traditional milestones, though they anticipate a shift in timing: higher education comes first, followed by a job, then homeownership – which many believe will come before marriage – and, finally, children. However, they believe that achieving these milestones is more challenging than it was for previous generations, largely due to rising costs and economic uncertainty. More than half expect homeownership (54%) and student loan repayment (55%) to take longer than it did for their parents.

Economic concerns top their list of obstacles – 42% worry about inflation and the economy, 35% cite the housing market, and 31% point to the job market. But personal challenges also play a role, with 29% struggling with self-doubt and 28% citing a lack of knowledge or time as barriers to their goals.

Despite these challenges, half (50%) push back against the stereotype that their generation is lazy, arguing that external factors – not a lack of effort – are holding them back.

While 80% of teens expect to become parents, economic realities are reshaping those plans. A majority of 63% believe having children is less affordable today than in the past. Among those planning for kids, 44% anticipate having one or two, though 40% would prefer three or four if money weren’t a factor.

Yet, some teens are questioning whether parenthood is right for them at all. About 22% of females and 13% of males say they don’t want children. Regional differences also stand out – Western teens (17%) are nearly three times more likely than Southern teens (6%) to forgo parenthood.

Meanwhile, 43% of teens would simply rather have pets.

While many teens value marriage, half say it isn’t a priority, and nearly as many believe it isn’t necessary for a committed relationship. Economic concerns are a major factor – more than half say marriage is less affordable than it used to be. As a result, teens expect to marry later than previous generations, and many prioritize financial independence and education over marriage. This shift also affects personal boundaries – nearly half of teens find questions about their marriage plans intrusive.

Most teens see education as essential – 90% plan to pursue it, and nearly half (48%) believe they’ll need schooling beyond a four-year degree to reach their career goals. But financial concerns loom large. A majority (57%) say college is less affordable than it once was, and 49% question whether student loans are worth the cost.

These concerns are reshaping how teens approach higher education. More than half (58%) would rather work through school than take on debt, while 36% say they won’t attend college at all – despite wanting to – because of the expense. At the same time, many feel caught between expectations and reality: 45% feel pressured to attend a four-year college, yet 43% say college isn’t a priority for their generation. This tension reflects a growing shift toward a more pragmatic, cost-conscious view of higher education.

Housing remains a core aspiration, with 92% planning to buy homes despite 61% saying homes are less affordable than in the past. Regional perspectives vary dramatically: 80% of Midwesterners see housing as attainable, compared to just 57% of Westerners. To reach this goal, teens are ready to adapt – 55% would work multiple jobs and 48% would relocate to somewhere less desirable, but more affordable.

Many believe homeownership is likely to come before marriage – not as a rejection of tradition, but as a practical response to economic realities. With marriage happening later in life, teens see securing a home as a more immediate priority. This underscores their focus on financial stability.

Teens’ vision of the American Dream prioritizes flexibility and financial security over rigid life paths. More than half (55%) want the media to showcase nonlinear life paths, reflecting their broader view of success. As they navigate an uncertain economy and shifting social expectations, Gen Z is proving that the American Dream isn’t disappearing – it’s evolving.

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