Graduation ceremony held for Jessie White 75 years after she left Beal College (Photo: ABC news)

A 99-year-old Maine woman is celebrating her graduation from college 75 years after a five dollar (€3.67) transcript fee kept her from getting her diploma on time.

Beal College in Bangor awarded Jessie White her degree during a special ceremony hosted by college President Alan Stehle.

Ms White told ABC News that she didn't think her life was complete without the graduation ceremony.

Ms White was supposed to graduate in 1939 but couldn't afford the fee. A friend who learned of her plight years later called Mr Stehle, who paid her balance and set up the ceremony.

Ms White received her degree in stenography and bookkeeping.

PA Media