EXHIBIT 23
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
    We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration 
Statement of Progress Financial Corporation on Form S-3 of our report dated 
January 22, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements as 
of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for the years ended December 31, 1996, 
1995 and 1994, which report is incorporated by reference in the Annual Report 
on Form 10-K. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the caption 
"Experts." 
 
/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 

Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
December 22, 1997