Abbot Pennings later started a commerce program at the college for lay students before retiring in 1955.

In 1993, to better serve its lay students, the Faculty began to offer a Master of Arts.

The parts were labelled, making it easier for lay students to understand the workings of the human body.

Among the lay students were scholars, public servants, businessmen, and notable men in the arts.

Since 1985 it has also offered courses in theology for lay (external) students.

The College had begun to admit its first lay students by 1965.

However, in recent years the number of lay students has increased especially in the social sciences faculty.

Annually the fund allocates 50% of its scholarships for lay students.

The Angelicum does not provide housing primarily intended for lay students.

A lay student of Zen, he became acquainted with Western culture at a young age.