But for generations, we were told that there was a single way: do well in high school, go to a four-year college, get the grades, get a good job, get married, buy a house and have kids. Generation after generation followed this as a blueprint to success, when tuition was stable and career paths were predictable. That’s not the case anymore: tuition costs kept climbing, and student debt exploded too. Today, fewer than half of Americans under 50 say the American Dream even feels possible.1
The traditional path leaves too many Americans behind. We think that the way to Today’s American Dream can look different. We need education that doesn’t leave our bank accounts fighting for their lives. Paths that are actually built for the era we’re in, not one that already ended. Opportunities for what we want, un-gatekept. Support for our individual journeys.
So we’re bringing together the creators doing it differently. Voices questioning what we’ve been told, who are building a way that actually works for them. Their stories show that the traditional path isn’t the only one — and that we don’t need permission to make our own.
Excited about a new path? Explore Campus.
Campaign Contributors
A creator and actress, Maggie started at a traditional four-year college before moving to Los Angeles to pursue her career. As work picked up, she needed more flexibility and tried online classes. But without community, it didn’t work for her. She decided to make her own path and left school to pursue her career full time.
“One thing they don't tell you about the American dream is there are so many different ways to achieve it. It doesn't have one specific path; it's truly just how you go about achieving your dreams.”
Known for his iconic singing videos, Harry knew from a young age that he wanted to be an entertainer. After his freshman year at a traditional four-year school, he realized it wasn’t giving him what he needed, and dropped out. Now a full-time content creator, Harry has collaborated with everyone from former president Barack Obama to Sabrina Carpenter.
“The most important thing is to make a decision that reflects where you are at that time in your life, so you can come out of it and say to yourself, ‘you were able to navigate that with precision.”
A creator and women’s health advocate, Miranda McKeon graduated from a four-year university, but her path was anything but traditional. When she was still an undergrad, Miranda was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Navigating treatment while pursuing a degree showed her how important having 1-on-1 support throughout college is.
“Education and your passions can happen at the same time.”
A first generation college grad, Gohar’s dream was always to be an entrepreneur. After graduating from a four-year university, he started to realize that the degree that he got didn’t set him up for what he actually wanted. Now, he creates content to help students figure out their path, whether that’s college, starting their own business, or launching their career.
“Growing up, I had the opportunity to express myself creatively…That’s something I wanted to revisit when I got older, but quickly realized that the system that I was in wasn’t going to enable that.”
Colin is a career educator and founder. After graduating from a four-year university, he found himself in debt and at a job that eventually laid him off — a week before he became a dad. Those experiences led him to what he feels truly passionate about: helping first generation professionals realize their dreams.
“The American Dream is no longer one-size-fits-all… If I could tell my 18 year old self one thing, it would be to not fear starting over.”
Dancer, actress and creator Sharlize didn’t think she’d go to college after graduating from high school. Then, a professor told her about online Community College — she took one class and loved it. After completing two years while working fulltime, Sharlize transferred into UCLA with a solid idea of the degree and career she actually wanted.
“The American Dream isn’t dead. I think now with the new modern age, there are so many different ways to achieve the American Dream.”
Comedian and filmmaker Dana always dreamed of becoming a director. But after struggling in high school, she felt like that dream wasn’t attainable. She graduated from a four-year university, then realized that the traditional path didn’t align with what she truly wanted to do. So she rewrote the script and pursued her dream of filmmaking. Her first film The Prospect just debuted, and she’s focused on telling authentic stories that connect with audiences and building a career on her own terms.
“We’re at this really unique point in history where there are more ways than ever before to achieve the American Dream. What it looks like for one person to achieve success will look vastly different from what it looks like for another person.”
Creator and podcaster Davis is a senior at San Diego State University. Growing up, she always heard that success meant going to a good school and getting a good job, but she’s now seen many of her friends find success without a four-year degree. A business major, she’s navigating going to school fulltime while hosting her podcast, and is excited to keep carving her own path after graduation.
“What I’ve learned through experience is success is just something that’s within. If you accomplish something you’re proud of and make something out of it, I think that’s what true success is.”
Find your path at Campus
The way to the American Dream has never been one-size-fits-all. The problem is a system that treats it like it is — offering a single path that often comes with a mountain of debt.
Quality education shouldn't feel like choosing between your future and your financial stability. It shouldn't box you into a rigid structure that isn’t built for the future you actually want.
Campus was created to help change this equation. Online associate's degrees. Faculty who also teach at world-class institutions. A community that gets to know you and supports you through the finish line. Education for the future you want, without burying yourself in debt.
It's time to stop gatekeeping quality education and start recognizing there’s more than one path to success.
Ready to explore another way? Check out what Campus can do for you.
1 Americans are split over the state of the American dream. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/07/02/americans-are-split-over-the-state-of-the-american-dream/