Application fees depend on the college. The average fee for applying to a college hovers around $35-$50, but it can get as high as $100. Luckily, if this is something you can't afford many schools accept a College Application Fee Waiver. See your school counselor for these forms. Fee waivers are generally given to students who demonstrate financial need.
In Minnesota, during the month of October, it is considered "College Knowledge Month". Participating Minnesota State Colleges and Universities will waive application fees during this month.
Find a listing of those schools here.
Although the University of Minnesota system does not participate in the "College Knowledge Month" and waiving fees, they do have a
"Share My App" program where if a student applies to the University of MN-Twin Cities first and submits all their application materials and pays the application fee, that student can then request to have their application materials shared with any of the other four University of Minnesota colleges (Duluth, Crookston, Morris, and Rochester) for free. And, the student doesn't need to fill out any further paperwork. This option is not available until October.
The University of Wisconsin System is waiving college application fees (free) with the exception of UW-Eau Claire ($25), UW LaCrosse ($25) and UW-Madison ($60).