Forbes College has an interesting history different from the rest of the Residential Colleges. In 1927 the main building was constructed as a hotel and became the Princeton Inn. The inn operated until 1970 when the University acquired the property and converted it into a college-like residence to accommodate a growing student population as women were admitted.

Known as the Princeton Inn College, the University constructed a dining hall and connected the main building to the former hotel's working quarters. In those days the inn housed 375 undergraduate students.

In 1984 Malcolm Forbes, Class of 1941, donated $3 million dollars to convert the inn into a Residential College. His generosity allowed for renovations to the dining hall and common areas, and when the construction was completed, the Princeton Inn College was renamed Forbes College in honor of Malcolm’s son, Malcolm “Steve” Forbes, Class of 1970.

Forbes College has been expanded several times over the past thirty years and now includes the “Main Inn,” "New Wing" and the "Courtyard."

Now Forbes College accommodates nearly 500 undergraduate men and women and enjoys a lively community life. The college hosts numerous speakers, parties, and various other events funded by the student college council.