EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-102338, 333-13259, 333-05795, 333-05797, 333-53842, 333-69717, 333-27927, 333-27929, 333-09257, and 333-91801) and Form S-3 (Nos. 033-61903 and 333-89836) of American Science and Engineering, Inc. of our report dated May 21, 2003 relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule, which appears in this Form 10-K/A. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Boston, Massachusetts July 29, 2003