Exhibit 23.1



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the Education Management Corporation 2003 Incentive Plan of
our report dated August 1, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedule of Education Management Corporation and Subsidiaries
included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended June 30, 2003,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



/s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
November 19, 2003