FAFSA line 29 grade level...how to answer

My son had to take a medical leave the middle of fall semester. It should be his sophomore year this year. He’s taking a couple courses at our local college this semester. He’s hoping to go back to his regular college this fall. What should I put on the fafas for grade level? He has some AP credits, so he might be a junior this fall, but he will only have credit for 2 classes this year, so we think it will take him 2 1/2 more years to graduate…if we’re lucky. Is this any difference in aid between saying he’ll be a sophomore versus saying he’ll be a junior? I think the loan amounts maybe? Thanks

Regardless of the grade level listed on the FAFSA, the school is going to award loan amounts based on the number of units the student has completed. How many units does he have or will expect to transfer over altogether? There is a $1,000 difference in loan levels between a sophomore and a junior.