EXHIBIT 23.1
 
               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
        We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-3 of MAXIMUS, Inc. filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of our report dated November 13, 1998 and
to the reference to our firm under the captions "Selected Consolidated
Financial Data" and "Experts" included in the Registration Statement (Form S-3
No. 333-67713) expected to be declared effective on or about December 10, 1998
and the related Prospectus of MAXIMUS, Inc.

                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Washington, DC
December 9, 1998