A recent survey conducted by Harvard’s Institute of Politics reveals a stark reality for young Americans: 42% of those under 30 report they are “barely getting by” financially, with only 16% saying they are doing well or very well.

This alarming statistic, drawn from a poll of 2,096 adults aged 18 to 29 conducted between March 14 and 25, 2025, underscores the economic challenges facing Generation Z and young Millennials.

The Harvard Youth Poll, as reported by CNBC, NBC New York, and NBC DFW, indicates that roughly two in five young Americans are either “struggling to make ends meet” or “getting by with limited security.”

This financial precarity is particularly acute for certain demographics. Women, with 47% reporting financial struggles compared to 37% of men, face heightened challenges, according to Spectrum News.

Similarly, 52% of young Latinos and 50% of those without a college degree say they are struggling, compared to 35% of college students and 29% of college graduates.

These disparities reflect structural barriers, including lower earnings and limited access to higher-paying jobs for non-degree holders.

Posts on X further amplify the sentiment, with users like @HarvardIOP and @NewYorkSun noting the poll’s findings and linking them to broader disillusionment, including declining support for congressional Democrats among young voters.

While these posts reflect public discourse, they alone do not substantiate the data but highlight its resonance.

While the Harvard survey does not pinpoint specific causes, multiple sources suggest that persistent inflation, the resumption of student loan payments, and low starting salaries are squeezing young adults.

CNBC and NBC outlets report that the cost of essentials—food, shelter, and transportation—has surged, with inflation driving up prices by nearly 21% since February 2020.

John Bell, a certified financial planner quoted in these reports, emphasizes that many young people graduate with significant college debt, often entering careers that do not pay enough to cover both loans and basic living expenses.

The Washington Post, in a related 2023 article, provides context on rising costs, noting that everyday expenses like meals and home maintenance have increased significantly, further straining budgets.

For example, the cost of a typical lunch has risen by over 30% in some cases, and property taxes have jumped, impacting even those who have paid off mortgages. These trends disproportionately affect younger adults, who are less likely to have accumulated savings or assets.

The Harvard findings align with other research indicating growing financial strain among young Americans.

A January 2025 Credit One Bank survey, cited by CNBC and NBC, found that 39% of Gen Z adults feel stressed about their finances, the highest of any generation, with low confidence in their financial control.

Additionally, a 2022 New York Times article highlights a decline in economic mobility, noting that only 50% of Americans born in 1980 are likely to out-earn their parents, compared to 92% of those born in 1940.

This fading “American Dream” exacerbates the sense of financial insecurity among the young.

CNN, in a 2024 report, adds that even higher earners are not immune, with 41% of Americans aged 18 to 35 expressing concern about making ends meet, compared to just 22% of those over 65.

This suggests that financial pressure is pervasive across income levels for younger generations, driven by rising costs and stagnant wages relative to inflation.

The Harvard poll, as covered by Spectrum News and Political Wire, also reveals broader social and political discontent.

Only 19% of young Americans trust the federal government to do the right thing most of the time, and support for policies like tariffs and Gaza redevelopment is low, at 19% and 14%, respectively.

This distrust, coupled with financial hardship, may contribute to the reported skepticism about the value of college education, as noted in a 2022 Bloomberg report, where only 56% of young adults felt their degrees were worth the cost.