Tour both campuses, ask questions, see what feels better for you... B'Burg and C'Ville are both great places to spend your college years. I went to VT in the late 90s and it seemed to have a more forward thinking bend, in contrast to what I understood as a strong historical/classical view offered at UVA. I am sure that things have changed in 20+ years. I have worked with alums of both schools, and both turn out perfectly serviceable members of the profession.

4 years (meaning grad school) or 5? That's your first decision.

I've heard UVa's classical tendencies have slacked.  

In the end, it comes down to if you want to do grad school or not. Tech's undergrad has been consistently ranked among the top 10 schools (ranked 1 at one point) in recent years.  

The two graduate schools are ranked very similarly.

I can't say I've heard anything about "VT's extra-regional reputation is bad".  I'm sure if you talk to a UVa grad, they're going to sing the praises of UVa, and likewise, Tech grads will do the same.  

I can tell you this much, I've never worked with a UVa grad.  I've worked with Tech, Tennessee, Norwich, Minnesota, and Ohio State.  I can't tell you why I've not come across any.  Could just be a lower student population and geographical issues. It seems odd though, that I've not encountered any, being in Virginia. 

not sure why this person hasnt encountered UVA alums either^ 

UVA grads are everywhere. and the alum network is strong. i've moved states (dc to nyc) and there's always been alums willing to help out with job opportunities. every job i've applied to has had UVA alums. 

i graduated not too long ago and had to decide between the two too. i chose UVA bc it gave me options to take more non architecture classes in case i decided arch was not for me. ended up sticking with it though. i do agree that a 5 year degree is easier but there's now more alternative ways to licensure if you do decide not to go back to grad school. uva used to be more focused on theory than tech but curriculum is always changing. studio options have grown immensely now with studios traveling to arctic cities (can't remember which), germany, nyc, etc. and study abroad programs are great.  

yes, UVA has a reputation for sending their undergrads to great grad programs but its not a guarantee. grad admissions is up to the individual. but i will add that all my classmates/friends are at gsd, berkeley, uva, michigan, penn, gsapp grad programs. 

& not trying to start anything but wanted to add that although i havent checked rankings in a while but i do not think the grad programs are similarly ranked (UVA being more highly ranked). UVA's undergrad program isnt ranked bc its a 4 yr degree and not 5. 

cville is a great town to be in js 

but it does come down to which program is more suited for you and what you'd like your school experience to be like