I think it makes sense to look at the fields of research the profs at your school are engaged in and then think it through. At some point what you learn is a product of the professors’ specific research interests.
Read the bios of the profs and grad students. That will give you a good idea of how engaging the department will be for you. In the end, a school will not be more or less of value because the classes are easier or harder. The difference will be in how engaged you are as a student. Which school will engage you more?