Gnomon: 49.2% Acceptance Rate

49.2%Acceptance

$34,215Tuition

302Students

67%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$114,785Earnings

#12 in CaliforniaPrivate forprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24

About Gnomon

Gnomon trains the next generation of digital artists for Hollywood's biggest studios. This specialized college focuses on computer graphics, visual effects, and game development for the entertainment industry. With just 302 students enrolled, the school maintains an intimate learning environment in the heart of Hollywood. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized instruction from industry professionals. About half the students come from California, while the other half travel from around the world to study here.

Students pay an average net price of $45,824 after aid, which remains steep since only 14.29% receive financial aid. However, the investment often pays off quickly in this high-demand field. Graduates earn a median of $76,245 in their first year out of school, jumping to $102,393 after five years. By the ten-year mark, median earnings reach $114,785. Most students graduate with $28,332 in debt and monthly loan payments of $300.

The school maintains a 96.4% employment rate, reflecting strong industry connections and demand for skilled digital artists. The 66.70% six-year graduation rate suggests the intensive, project-based curriculum challenges students, but those who complete the program find themselves well-prepared for careers at major studios and gaming companies.

Academics & Faculty

Gnomon specializes in computer graphics, visual effects, and game development for the entertainment industry. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means intensive, hands-on training in small studios that mirror professional production environments. Students learn from industry professionals who work at major studios like Disney, Marvel, and top gaming companies. The 66.7% graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of the curriculum, which requires mastering complex software like Maya, ZBrush, and Unreal Engine. Programs focus on 3D modeling, animation, visual effects, and game design. The quarter system allows for rapid skill building across multiple software platforms. Graduates typically enter roles as technical artists, VFX specialists, and game developers at major entertainment companies.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate (6-year): 66.7%
Retention Rate: 88.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $114,785

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Campus Life

Gnomon sits in the heart of Hollywood, where students walk past movie studios and production companies on their way to class. The 302-student campus operates on a quarter system, keeping the pace intense and focused. With 54.97% male enrollment, the gender split reflects the tech-heavy entertainment industry the school serves.

Southern California's year-round sunshine means students need sunscreen, not winter coats, as they work on outdoor projects or grab lunch between classes. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates a workshop atmosphere where professors often come directly from major studios. Weekend life revolves around industry events, film screenings, and collaborative projects rather than traditional college parties. Students frequently visit nearby animation studios, game companies, and post-production facilities for networking and internships.

The quarter system's intensity means most social connections form through shared late-night rendering sessions and critique groups. With 88.00% retention rate, students stick around despite the demanding workload. The Hollywood location provides constant inspiration and industry access that students at traditional colleges rarely experience.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Quarter

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 45°–67°F
July Avg: 64°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 13.9"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Half of Gnomon's 302 students come from California, reflecting the school's strong ties to Hollywood's entertainment industry. The student body skews male, which aligns with the traditionally male-dominated fields of visual effects and game development. Asian students make up nearly 16% of enrollment, higher than national averages, suggesting strong appeal among communities with tech industry connections. Only 14% receive Pell Grants, indicating students typically come from middle to upper-middle-class families who can afford specialized training for competitive creative careers in entertainment.

Men: 55.0%
Women: 45.0%
White: 22.5%
Black: 1.0%
Hispanic: 10.3%
Asian: 15.9%
In-State Students: 50.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 14.3%

Location

Gnomon sits in the heart of Hollywood, California, placing students directly in the entertainment capital of the world. The school operates within Los Angeles, giving immediate access to major film studios, animation houses, and gaming companies. Hollywood's creative ecosystem provides networking opportunities that smaller college towns cannot match. The urban setting means year-round mild weather and proximity to beaches just 30 minutes away. About 50% of students come from in-state, drawn by the location's industry connections. The quarter system allows for intensive project work that mirrors Hollywood production schedules. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Gnomon with similar schools in the region.

Address: Hollywood, California 90038

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $114,785
Median Earnings (5 years): $102,393
Loan Repayment Rate: 75.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $300/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $28,332

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Gnomon?

Gnomon accepts 49.23% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a specialized art school. The school focuses on finding students genuinely passionate about visual effects and game development rather than maintaining ultra-low admission rates.

How much does Gnomon cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Gnomon is $45,824 per year, with tuition set at $34,215 regardless of residency. Only 14.29% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the school's limited need-based assistance and focus on professional training that commands industry wages.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Gnomon?

Gnomon maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 302 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for hands-on mentorship from industry professionals who teach the modern techniques used in major film studios and game companies.

Does Gnomon have good job placement rates?

Graduates achieve a 96.4% employment rate and earn a median salary of $114,785 ten years after graduation. The school's Hollywood location and industry connections help students land positions at major entertainment companies like Disney, Marvel, and top gaming studios.

Where is Gnomon located and what is the campus like?

Gnomon sits in the heart of Hollywood, placing students directly within the entertainment industry center. The urban campus keeps the 88% retention rate high as students benefit from proximity to studios, networking events, and internship opportunities throughout Los Angeles.

How long does it take to complete a degree at Gnomon?

Gnomon operates on a quarter system with a 66.70% six-year graduation rate. The school specializes in intensive computer graphics and visual effects training, preparing students for immediate entry into competitive entertainment industry roles rather than traditional four-year liberal arts education.