JoAnn Bernard

Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships

MiraCosta’s Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships, JoAnn Bernard, isn’t just a pro with the language of finance; she is also fluent in German and Dari.  German born and educated, she came to the United States as a young adult and immediately become involved in finance, first as a credit manager in the Silicon Valley and then moving into the complex world of college financial aid. 

“Financial aid can be very complicated, but it is very satisfying to me to see the end result,” explains JoAnn.  “My staff and I try to find a way to welcome students and make them feel comfortable with the financial aid process.”

JoAnn has worked in college financial aid for almost 25 years, starting off at a college in the Bay Area and then moving to Long Beach City College, which is home to the second largest financial aid department in the state.   

“I used to have students climb through my window because they didn’t want to wait in line,” laughs JoAnn. 

JoAnn, who holds a master’s degree in student services administration, accepted the position of director of financial aid at MiraCosta College in 2000.  She immediately fell in love with the campus and its staff and students.

“MiraCosta is just a fabulous place to work; it’s like working for a large family.  Everyone I have met who works here is dedicated to their job and to the students. I can go to any department on campus and the staff there has the same goal as I do: to help students.”

When JoAnn is not at work, she spends her time reading and planning her next exotic vacation. She and her husband, who were both born oversees, are world travelers and enjoy experiencing different cultures.  JoAnn gained an appreciation for multiple cultures while growing up in Germany, where her parents regularly hosted exchange students from different parts of the world.  She brings that sense of adventure to her position at MiraCosta.

“There is never a dull moment working in MiraCosta’s Financial Aid Office. The job keeps me on my toes, which I love!  I also love being able to say to parents and students, ‘apply for financial aid, we can get you through the first couple of years of college.’”