Two Down, Six To Go

I have now successfully completed two applications for graduate school. University of Massachusetts - Amherst, and San Francisco State University. Left are: Indiana University, University of Iowa, University of Washington, University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and Naropa University. What work this is! Yet, each one does feel like a small victory. But, why does applying to school, to put yourself in a better financial situation, cost so damn much money?