Your NMSC score is right at the cutoff for North Carolina. The NMSC website says that you need a score of 4 to 5 points above the cutoff for a better chance at a scholarship from them.
The top tier schools typically only give need based scholarships as most of their students have top scores. The next tier down will many times offer merit money as they are trying to attract those top tier students.
Those next tier down schools can be a very good place to go. They offer the money as well as a great education. Being a top student there will allow you to stand out somewhat.