In order to prove legal residency for in-state tuition, an individual must maintain a permanent residence in North Carolina for 12 months prior to the start of class. Marriage to a North Carolina resident does not qualify an individual for residency or in-state tuition.
Minors (individuals under the age of 18) are assumed to reside in the same state as their parent or legal guardian. If, in the five years prior to admission, the minor has lived with another adult who is a resident of North Carolina, the minor will be eligible for in-state tuition.
Any active duty military personnel who is stationed in North Carolina but does not meet the requirements for residency in North Carolina will only be charged the in-state tuition rates. This also applies to dependents of active duty military personnel.
Aliens residing in the United States must meet the same requirements listed above to establish residency. Additionally, the following visa types are not eligible for residency or in-state tuition: B, C, D, F, J, M, P, Q, R or S
Teachers who reside in North Carolina and are employed with the North Carolina public school system--- but have not yet met the twelve-month residency requirement---will qualify for in-state tuition for course work relevant to their teaching position.