Science, technology, engineering and maths courses at US public universities and colleges could be imperilled, according to a report on higher-education revenues over the past 25 years. The 11 February report, by the State Higher Education Executive Officers group in Boulder, Colorado, finds that institutions are likely to face a growing budget deficit because of the combined effects of the recession, which has reduced state funding, and a spike in student enrolment. Just 40% of educational revenue is derived from tuition, the report says. “The ability of public colleges and universities to provide quality programmes in science, technology, and other fields is threatened,” says Paul Lingenfelter, the group's president.