We’re in NC too and daughter wanted to go out of state. She’s a 2021 grad and applied with a 29 ACT/1340 SAT, 4.21 W GPA 7 AP’s & the rest honors. Good EC’s, 4-year varsity athlete & steady work experience. She received merit awards from University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, App State (her safety) & Virginia Tech (where she ultimately enrolled).
She also got into Elon, Florida State & NC State.
VT’s merit seemed to be random and not necessarily tied to GPA & test scores alone (you’ll need to fill out the FAFSA for VT even if you won’t qualify for financial aid). Elon gives some merit but their awards are small in comparison to the price tag. Once admitted, you can apply to their Fellows programs but even then it’s still expensive. FSU gives out-of-state tuition waivers to applicants with a certain level of test score (I think you’d have to get your ACT up to 31 or higher to be considered), but it’s not a guarantee. If you’re willing to go north, kids from our HS received good merit from Miami of OH & University of Dayton. You could also try Kentucky & Alabama.