<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING, INC. FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 29, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> U.S.DOLLARS
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-29-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             APR-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-29-1996
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                      1
<CASH>                                           3,377
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    3,875
<ALLOWANCES>                                       179
<INVENTORY>                                      4,314
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                13,112
<PP&E>                                             926
<DEPRECIATION>                                   8,507
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  14,295
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            6,302
<BONDS>                                              0
<COMMON>                                         3,001
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                       4,500
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    14,295
<SALES>                                         17,815
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                17,815
<CGS>                                           11,823
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   16,746
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   240
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  52
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    832
<INCOME-TAX>                                        30
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                802
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                       802
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .18
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .18