Happiness, freedom, relationships, and financial success are at the core of the reimagined American Dream, according to a new poll from AU’s Sine Institute of Policy and Politics.

Despite rising inflation, polarizing politics, and a warming planet, the survey—released in September—revealed that 18- to 34-year-old Americans are hopeful about their future, with 62 percent predicting their lives will be better than their parents’. Respondents believe they will be more successful than the previous generation across 12 of 13 measures, including educational attainment, physical and mental health, and financial security. The lone exception: “having a functioning government that represents all.” 

Across all demographics, including sex, race, and political affiliation, most of the 1,568 respondents agree that feeling personally happy and fulfilled is the most important element of the American Dream, and that their own hard work and effort is the determining factor in achieving their goals. 

“I was inspired by the optimism the poll revealed,” says Amy Dacey, SPA/MA ’95, executive director of the Sine Institute of Policy and Politics, which this year marks its fifth anniversary. “I hope that these findings can help other generations and those in power to truly understand what is important to young Americans who represent the future of our country and the world.” 

The poll—the second annual Sine Institute survey focused on young Americans’ perspectives on politics, community engagement, and public service—was designed in partnership with the Millennial Action Project and Close-Up Foundation. Underscoring the university’s commitment to experiential learning, nine AU students from across campus also helped formulate questions, evaluate the methodology, and interpret the data.