Generally, you must demonstrate that you:
* Have established a domicile in North Carolina: This means you've moved to North Carolina with the intention of making it your permanent home. Simply attending school isn't enough. The university will scrutinize your intent.
* Resided in North Carolina continuously for at least 12 months immediately preceding the beginning of the semester for which you are seeking in-state tuition: This is a crucial point. A break in residency during this period can disqualify you.
* Are not residing in North Carolina primarily for the purpose of attending college: This is a major hurdle. The university needs to see evidence that you came to North Carolina *before* deciding to attend college and would have lived here regardless of your college plans.
* Have met certain financial independence requirements: While not universally applied across all aspects of residency, financial independence is a major factor. The university looks at whether you're self-supporting and not dependent on your parents or others for financial support. This includes things like:
* Source of income: Where do you get your money?
* Tax filings: Do your taxes show North Carolina as your home?
* Bank accounts: Where are your bank accounts located?
* Property ownership: Do you own property in North Carolina?
Things that *don't* automatically qualify you:
* Owning property in NC: While helpful, it's not sufficient on its own.
* Having a North Carolina driver's license: This is evidence of residency, but not proof of domicile.
* Being employed in NC: Similar to a driver's license, this is helpful supporting evidence.
* Attending a North Carolina high school: This is evidence, but is insufficient to automatically grant in-state status after high school graduation.
The process:
You'll need to complete a residency application for in-state tuition. This involves providing extensive documentation to prove your residency. The university will review the documentation and make a determination. Denials are common, and the burden of proof rests entirely on the applicant. Appeals are possible but rarely successful.
In short: Becoming a resident of North Carolina for tuition purposes is a significant undertaking. It requires a proactive and deliberate move to establish your home in the state *well before* applying to college. It's strongly advised to consult with the specific university's residency office well in advance of applying. They can provide the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding their specific requirements.