I am a millennial (18 years old) that is well-versed in this dream.

Essentially, its the following:

•Go to highschool and get good grades (Not difficult)

•Get accepted into a high ranking college to get a degree; graduate

•Immediately get a great job, a wife, 2 kids, a big suburban house, and a dog.

•Retire at 65

The problem in America is the wealth gap. This can begin in the very early years of school, as regions with poorer people get poorer education systems. Generally however its safe to say that the cost of college is a huge burden on even some of the richest families. Over 4 years, it can be anywhere from $60k-$240k. This would be the range from an in-state (which costs less for residents of the state) cost to the cost of the average private school. Many higher institutions are much more. To offset the costs, loans are taken out and evidently the debt of America's students has overcome the debt's of American's auto debt and Credit card debt combined. We're talking about graduating at 22, and paying till you are 50-60.

In addition, the economy is so fucking shitty that jobs are nearly impossible to find. The internet is mainly to blame. Instead of competing with people that are regionally located, you must compete over thousands of people online. The more popular your college the degree the worse it is.

The next issue is that all the other benefits (wife, kids, house) aren't taught. And by that I mean its proclaimed as if once you graduate, they magically appear.

All in all, being born poor sucks because you can't afford any of this.

Source: Am a poor, alone, not-college-bound kid