Exhibit 23.3 - Consent of Independent Auditors







We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3, No. 33-______) and related Prospectus of
Equitable of Iowa Companies and Equitable of Iowa Companies Capital Trust for
the registration of $300,000,000 of debt securities, preferred stock, common
stock and warrants of Equitable of Iowa Companies and Preferred Securities of
Equitable of Iowa Companies Capital Trust and to the incorporation by reference
therein of our report dated February 7, 1996, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements and schedules of Equitable of Iowa Companies and sub-
sidiaries included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December
31, 1995, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                             /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Des Moines, Iowa
March 20, 1996