Columbia vs HEC Paris

I'm excited to advise I've been accepted to Columbia and based upon my HEC interviews I'm anticipating an acceptance next week. I have yet to hear from Harvard or Stanford, but in the meantime would like feedback on Columbia and HEC.

My background: I am an American with experience in luxury fashion in New York. I am interested in learning more about luxury goods, entrepreneurship, and finance. I am torn between staying in luxury goods versus going into finance as I think it may be a better long term opportunity in terms of more money and opportunity to grow. I am also interested in starting my own company either during school or in the future. Lastly, I would like to potentially work in Europe for a few years after my MBA.

The Schools:

Reputation: Columbia has an international Ivy league reputation. HEC is the Harvard of France but it has way less of a name in the USA; may be harder to secure positions at top companies in New York down the road.

International Exposure: With HEC I will gain an EU visa and have a greater opportunity to intern and work overseas. I am interested in exploring work opportunities in Paris for a few years, and think this would be more challenging coming from Columbia. I think the only way to do it at Columbia would be through large companies that recruit such as LVMH and ask to go to their Paris versus New York office. However, what's interesting is that Columbia offers a study abroad semester at HEC, so maybe I could use that to network in Paris. The bad news is you have to apply for the study abroad and thus it's not guaranteed.

The Program / Classes: I think the schools both offer strong programs in entrepreneurship, retail/luxury goods, and finance. Columbia may have slightly stronger finance classes and HEC a slightly stronger luxury program.

Finances: HEC will be a little cheaper since it is in the French countryside versus NYC, but I don't think saving $10K is worth making a decision. I am willing to pay for the right program.

The People: I really like the vibe and people I have met at Columbia so far. I have not yet visited HEC but liked the alums that interviewed me. I think if I get the confirmed offer it may be wise to spend the money and fly to France for a few days and check it out.

Conclusion: I think Columbia may be the safer bet since it's a well known Ivy league, but I'm not 100% sure. Thanks for reading and appreciate everyone's thoughts!