Exhibit 23(a)


             CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP,
                             INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS





We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the  Registration  Statement of
Franklin Resources, Inc. on Form S-8 for the 1998 Universal Stock Incentive Plan
of our report dated October 23, 1998 on our audit of the consolidated  financial
statements of Franklin Resources, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 1998
and 1997 and for the years ended September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996, which report
is included in the Franklin  Resources,  Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 1998.




PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

San Francisco, California
December 28, 1998