As an out-of-state college student who intends to return to their home states upon completion of their educations in North Carolina you are considered a non-resident. The full definition of a nonresident is "Any person whose legal residence is in a state, territory, or jurisdiction other than North Carolina or in a foreign country."

Since you are a nonresident it does not appear you need to register the car in North Carolina but can do so back in your home state of Ohio. If you instead wanted to register and title it in North Carolina, you can check with the NC Division of Motor Vehicles to see if this is possible as a full-time student in their state.

As for insurance, you will need to insure the vehicle in the state which the car is registered since normally as part of the registration process one is required to show proof of insurance. If you title the car in Ohio check to see if an Ohio insurer will cover you while you are in North Carolina or if because the car will be kept with you in NC if they say you should register and insure it there instead until you move back to Ohio after college.

You can get a car insurance quote for either Ohio or North Carolina here with us.