What is the School Known For?
Gnomon School of Visual Effects is a well-known vocational school that has been providing top-notch education in the field of digital arts for over twenty-five years. As a for-profit institution, this trade school has successfully trained thousands of students for careers in the entertainment industry.
Offering a range of certificate and degree programs, as well as over 100 avocational individual courses for portfolio development and professional enrichment, Gnomon caters to various students’ needs and goals.
With an exceptional graduate placement record, the school ensures students are well-prepared for their chosen careers. What’s more is that the instructors at Gnomon are all professionals with up-to-date knowledge of the latest software, hardware, and techniques used in the film, game, television, and advertising fields.
Is Gnomon School of Visual Effects Legit?
Yes, the Gnomon School of Visual Effects is a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
According to the school’s 2024 student catalog, the cost of tuition at Gnomon School of Visual Effects varies based on the specific course and program you choose. Generally, most courses range from $11,000 to $16,000 per term, with each course having a different number of terms.
Keep in mind that these figures do not include additional expenses such as transportation, housing, and personal costs, which can significantly impact the total cost of completing a course.
To obtain a more accurate estimate of the total cost of attending Gnomon, you can use their net price calculator as a starting point.
Programs & Courses
Graphic, Design, and Arts
- Art
- Computer Animation
- Digital Arts
- Game Design
- Game Programming
Campus Locations
Gnomon Campus 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90038
Financial Aid Services
Gnomon honors aid such as Pell Grants, Work-Study, Direct Loans, and Parent Plus Loans. In addition, the school offers scholarships to enrolled students. The scholarship’s value depends on the strength of an individual’s application, portfolio, and admissions interview.
Student Services
The campus has several computer labs, as well as drawing and sculpture studios to improve students’ learning experiences. Additionally, the school hosts conferences with industry experts. Students can visit presentations, art exhibits, and workshops to benefit their careers.
Veteran and Military Services
In addition to federal and private loans, Gnomon accepts military benefits such the GI Bill. The school is a member of the Yellow Ribbon GI Enhancement Program. This program awards qualifying students with grants, which the Department of Veterans Affairs then matches. The financial aid office also assists veterans with benefit filing and choosing the right courses to meet career goals.
Alumni Services
Gnomon showcases alumni work on the school’s site and in the on-campus gallery to expose their art to a wider audience. The school invites alumni to attend seminars at local schools and community colleges. These events are a chance for graduates to promote their current projects, as well as recruit and inform students about their respective careers and industries.
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Gnomon is considered a top-tier institution for digital arts and visual effects. The majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the quality of education and strong industry connections, though a few express concern about the consistency of job placement and overall value for money.
Overall Score: 4.8/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Education and Instructors: Reviewers frequently call Gnomon the “best visual effects school in the United States” and even “in the world.” They highlight the high quality of the courses and instructors, who are noted for their passion and expertise.
Strong Industry Connections and High Placement Rates: The school is praised for its ability to help students “make connections” in the digital art industry. Gnomon publicly reports high placement rates for its graduates, with one review mentioning a 98% placement rate and another a 95% placement rate for its BFA program in 2024.
Great Campus and Atmosphere: The campus is described as “beautiful,” “cool,” and “awesome,” with a positive learning environment. Students appreciate the state-of-the-art facilities that mirror professional studios.
Worth the Cost: While Gnomon is noted as being expensive, several reviewers feel it is “totally worth it” due to the quality of education and the career opportunities it provides.
Common Criticisms
Concerns about Placement Consistency: A few older reviews, including one from three years ago, contradict the high placement statistics. One reviewer claims the school “only place[s] the ones that fit their mold” and that placement is not guaranteed for everyone.
Value for Money: One review from eight years ago states that the school was a “waste of money” because the student “didn’t learn much.”
Momentum
The positive feedback for Gnomon is highly consistent, with recent reviews reaffirming the school’s strengths in providing quality education and industry-specific training. While the main criticisms are a few years old and pertain to placement and value, they are directly contradicted by the school’s publicly available statistics and more recent positive reviews. The school owner is also very active in responding to all feedback, which may indicate a commitment to addressing student concerns.