Mason is a young university that, in just a short time, has made impressive strides in size, stature, and influence. Today, as Virginia’s largest public research university, we are setting the benchmark for a bold, progressive education that serves the needs of our students and communities. To that end, we have 10 schools and colleges devoted to a variety of areas of study.Virginia's Largest Public Research University. With 36,000 students from all 50 states and 130 countries and a residential population of more than 6,000 students George Mason University is a vibrant and dynamic community of scholars and offers over 200-degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia.