<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NATIONAL DATA CORPORATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED MAY 31,
1995, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAY-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               MAY-31-1995
<CASH>                                          30,740
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   38,348
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,409
<INVENTORY>                                      2,900
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                98,041
<PP&E>                                         140,141
<DEPRECIATION>                                 111,307
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 216,761
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           67,595
<BONDS>                                              0
<COMMON>                                         2,413
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                     120,384
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   216,761
<SALES>                                        242,031
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               242,031
<CGS>                                          130,305
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  217,175
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,528
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 24,046
<INCOME-TAX>                                     8,657
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             15,389
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    15,389
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .76
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .75