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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1





                         Consent of Independent Auditors


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8, Number 333-______) pertaining to the 1997 Equity Incentive Plan of
MAXIMUS, Inc. of our report dated February 7, 1997 with respect to the financial
statements of MAXIMUS, Inc. included in its Prospectus dated June 12, 1997 (File
No. 333-21611) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to
Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.






                                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                                        ERNST & YOUNG LLP




Washington, D.C.
December 8, 1997