Overview
Founded in 1997 in Hollywood, California, Gnomon quickly became one of the most respected institutions for visual effects, animation, and game art training, prized by major studios like ILM, Pixar, Weta Digital, and Blizzard Entertainment for producing highly skilled entry-level talent. The school grew out of the demand for specialized digital artists as the VFX and games industries exploded in the late 1990s and 2000s, and its founders and instructors have often been working professionals from top studios. Gnomon is best known for its rigorous, technically demanding curriculum in 3D modeling, character animation, visual effects compositing, concept art, and game design, with instruction closely tied to real production pipelines.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Total students | 800 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 8:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 65% |
| Graduation rate | 60% |
| Average starting salary | $55,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $36,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $36,500 |
| Room & board | $18,000 |
| Average financial aid | $10,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 60% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Digital Production (VFX)
- Character Animation
- Game Art
- Entertainment Design (Concept Art)
- Traditional Media Foundations
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.