Ivey Value Investing Program - A Substitute for Columbia?

Sorry for the length….

I am wondering if anyone out there can shed some light on this/ open a conversation on the topic.

For those who are interested in a value investing career, there seem to be two good options. First and most famously there is the Value Investing Program at Columbia. Obviously, this is the strongest program out there for the discipline considering its founding history, coursework, special projects, student-managed funds, extensive alumni base, guest speakers, etc. etc. However, the reality is that not everyone can get into the Columbia Business School***, much less its Value Investing Program (separate application for those already enrolled in the business school).

The second option is the Richard Ivey Business School in Canada. It is the only other program that I know of with a separate specialization in value investing. The school has gained notoriety over the last 4-5 years and was named the best international MBA by BusinessWeek in 2014 and 2015. The value program seems to be well vetted, well designed, and well supported by some of the top value investors in the world. There are fewer courses to take than at Columbia, but there seems to be a large support system for the program and many resources including a student investment fund, stock picking competitions, investment projects, networking events, etc.

My stats are such that I think I could receive a good scholarship to go to Ivey, but I am concerned with the brand quality and the marketability of the degree. I.e. would it make more sense to just go somewhere like UVA or Tuck and find my way into value fund from there? Or would it be better to come from a value specific program like Ivey but give up some brand rep. Which would funds prefer?

Looking for pros, cons, thoughts, concerns….GO!