Gnomon was founded in 1997 by Alex Alvarez in Hollywood, California, originally as a training center for 3D computer graphics. It has grown into an accredited institution offering certificate programs, a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and a Master of Fine Arts in digital production. It is widely recognized for its close ties to the entertainment industry, with instructors who are working professionals at major studios such as ILM, Disney, DreamWorks, and Blizzard.
Gnomon has a small, intensely focused campus culture centered on portfolio-building and production workflows. Students work in specialized labs and use industry-standard software, and the school hosts guest lectures, workshops, and the Gnomon Workshop video training library. Because enrollment is small and programs are studio-style, students receive substantial mentorship and networking access, though the experience is demanding and career-driven.
| Type | Private |
| Location | Hollywood (Los Angeles), California |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Total students | 1,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 10:1 |
| Acceptance rate | N/A |
| Graduation rate | 60% |
| Average starting salary | $55,000 |
| In-state tuition | $37,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $37,000 |
| Room & board | $24,000 |
| Average financial aid | $9,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 65% |
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | Rolling admissions |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.