I've had linear algebra from the onset in my engineering school and it was wonderfully useful. Comparing which one is "better" (calculus or linear algebra) is like arguing whether multiplication or exponentiation is a better operation -- don't do it, you're going to sound cliché without reaching a conclusion.

The main use of linear algebra to me is describe local behavior of functions/dynamical systems. Sure, calculus is the setting of functions in full generality, but understanding the algebra of local interactions is an essential part of the whole -- how can you go far into calculus without understanding derivatives? Linearization is practical the way to solve 99% of engineering problems.