EXHIBIT 23.1



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS




We consent to the incorporation by reference in this  Registration  Statement on
Form S-8 pertaining to the National Computer  Systems,  Inc. 1998 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan of National Computer Systems,  Inc. and subsidiaries of our report
dated March 2, 1998, with respect to the  consolidated  financial  statements of
National  Computer Systems,  Inc. and subsidiaries  incorporated by reference in
its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  January 31, 1998,  filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                         /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Minneapolis, Minnesota

July 10, 1998