 More than half of Americans believe the American dream is achievable. New findings from the Pew Research Center show 53% still believe you can get ahead in the U.S. through hard work and determination. But 41% say that notion is now out of reach. Americans 50 and older are more likely than younger adults to say this is still possible. Younger adults are less optimistic, with only 4 in 10 under age 50 agreeing. Pollsters say the numbers held regardless of race, political affiliation, and education level. The survey interviewed more than 8,700 U.S. adults.