EXHIBIT 23.1







                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8, Reg. No. 33-57065) pertaining to the UIC 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan of
United Industrial Corporation and in the related Prospectus of our report dated
May 23, 1997, with respect to the financial statements and supplemental
schedules of the UIC 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan included in this Annual
Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996.

                                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Baltimore, Maryland
June 24, 1997