EXHIBIT 23.1
 
               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
     We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Selected
Financial Data" and "Experts" and to the use of our report dated February 7,
1997, in the Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-  ) and related Prospectus
of MAXIMUS, Inc. for the registration of shares of its common stock.
 
                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Washington, DC
February 11, 1997