Exhibit J

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We  consent  to  the  reference  to  our  firm  under  the  captions  "Financial
Highlights"  in the Prospectus  and  "Independent  Auditors" in the Statement of
Additional Information and to the incorporation by reference of our report dated
December 10, 2003, in this  Registration  Statement  (Form N-1A  No. 33-4959 and
811-1355) of The Alger Funds.

                                                       /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                                       Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York
February 25, 2004