Lock Haven is a public university. Founded as a Normal school in 1870, it gained university status in 1983. Its goals lie in giving its students the tools, skills and capabilities to successfully continue to grow after graduation. The school prides itself on small class sizes, a faculty that focuses on teaching and the individual attention given to students. Its 165-acre campus is located in Lock Haven, 30 miles west of Williamsport and 70 miles north of Harrisburg.